Safaricom PLC has announced the return of Stephen Chege to the company, where he will serve as Group Chief External Affairs Officer, a strategic role supporting both Safaricom Kenya and Safaricom Ethiopia. His appointment marks a significant addition to the telco’s executive leadership team as the company continues to strengthen its regional footprint and deepen its purpose-led agenda across markets.
In this expanded role, Chege will oversee Safaricom’s Regulatory and External Affairs, Public Policy, Communication Strategy, Media Relations, Corporate Social Investments (CSI), ESG and Sustainability, as well as the integration of purpose across the Group’s operations. His leadership will be instrumental in aligning the company’s business objectives with its social and environmental commitments, ensuring Safaricom continues to deliver value to communities, regulators, and shareholders alike.
Chege re-joins the Safaricom family from Vodacom Group, where he served as Chief External Affairs Officer since 2021. During his tenure, he provided leadership across eight African markets — including South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Lesotho, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt. In that role, he was credited with building a high-performing, proactive external affairs function, helping Vodacom navigate complex regulatory environments and maintain strong relationships with governments and industry partners.
Among his key achievements at Vodacom were the successful resolution of critical operating licence renewals, spectrum acquisitions, and tax matters, all of which reinforced the group’s operational stability and long-term growth. Chege also played a pivotal role in advancing policy reforms in mobile money and mobile services, ensuring greater inclusivity and sustainability in Africa’s digital economy.
Beyond regulatory affairs, Chege was a driving force behind Vodacom’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, leading the implementation and reporting of sustainability programs across the group. He also spearheaded the strategic reorganisation of Vodacom Foundations, positioning the company as a purpose-led organization that prioritizes societal impact alongside commercial success.
Chege’s return to Safaricom comes at a crucial time for the company as it continues to strengthen its operations in Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing telecommunications markets. Safaricom Ethiopia, which launched commercial operations in 2022, has rapidly expanded its coverage and mobile money services, supporting the company’s broader vision of transforming lives through technology and connectivity.
A respected leader in the telecoms and regulatory sectors, Stephen Chege has been part of the Safaricom story for nearly two decades, having previously held senior leadership positions within the company before his move to Vodacom Group. His deep understanding of Safaricom’s culture, strategy, and purpose-driven philosophy makes his return both timely and impactful.
Chege is widely regarded for his collaborative leadership style and ability to bridge business goals with social responsibility. His appointment is expected to further strengthen Safaricom’s reputation as a regional leader in responsible business, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability.
As he takes on his new role, Chege will focus on enhancing regulatory alignment, ESG integration, and purpose-led initiatives across the Safaricom Group. He is also expected to play a central role in guiding Safaricom Ethiopia’s external affairs strategy, particularly in regulatory policy, stakeholder management, and communication — key components for success in a rapidly evolving market.
His return has been met with enthusiasm from both within Safaricom and across the telecommunications industry. Colleagues and partners have lauded his professionalism, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to driving meaningful impact through technology and corporate purpose.
Chege’s appointment reinforces Safaricom’s broader ambition to continue leading as a purpose-driven technology company, one that not only connects people but also empowers communities, supports innovation, and champions sustainability across Africa.