New Roles in Technology and Corporate Affairs

Safaricom PLC, Kenya's leading telecommunications provider, has announced several new job vacancies, primarily concentrated in its Technology and Corporate Affairs divisions. The openings, posted on the company's official recruitment portal around Tuesday, November 18, 2025, seek to fill a range of specialized roles critical to its strategic objectives. Among the listed positions are Principal for Enterprise IoT & ICT Presales, Big Data Platform Analytics Engineer, Android Developer, and several Governance Specialist roles.

These new positions underscore Safaricom's transition towards becoming a purpose-led technology company, a goal articulated by CEO Peter Ndegwa. The emphasis on IoT, Big Data, and mobile development points to a continued push into digital services and enterprise solutions, while the governance roles suggest a strengthening of internal compliance and operational frameworks. The application deadlines vary, with some closing as early as November 20 and others extending to November 30, 2025. Interested candidates are required to apply through the official Safaricom careers portal.

Economic Impact and Labour Market Context

Safaricom remains a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy. According to its 13th Sustainable Business Report released in October 2024, the company's operations contributed Ksh 722 billion to the economy and supported over 1.28 million jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the last financial year. This sustained economic impact makes any hiring announcement from the telco a significant event for the national job market.

The latest job openings arrive at a complex time for Kenya's labour market. While the ICT sector is projected to be a major growth area, recent data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) indicated a slight 2.4% decline in employment by mobile network operators in the quarter ending June 2025. This reflects a broader trend of workforce adjustments driven by the adoption of AI and automation technologies. However, the demand for specialized tech skills in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and software development remains high, with these roles commanding competitive salaries. The national unemployment rate was projected to be around 5.2% by the end of 2025, according to Trading Economics global macro models.

Strategic Direction and Financial Health

The recruitment drive aligns with Safaricom's robust financial performance and strategic priorities. The company's half-year results for the 2025/2026 financial year, released in November 2025, showed strong growth, with group service revenue increasing by 11.1% to KShs 199.87 billion. This growth was primarily driven by M-PESA and mobile data services, which grew by 14% and 13.4% respectively. The company's focus on expanding its 5G network and deepening financial inclusion through products like the M-PESA platform continues to shape its business strategy and, consequently, its talent acquisition needs.

The specific roles advertised reflect these priorities. The 'Principal, Enterprise IoT & ICT Presales' position, for instance, is designed to drive the adoption of complex digital solutions for corporate clients. Similarly, the 'Big Data Platform Analytics Engineer' role is central to leveraging customer data for insights and service improvement. These positions indicate a strategic investment in technical expertise to maintain a competitive edge in both the consumer and enterprise markets. The company has also been focused on upskilling its existing workforce, with initiatives to certify all employees in AI and other emerging technologies.

How to Apply

Safaricom has directed all interested applicants to its official careers website. Candidates are advised to create or update their profiles on the recruitment portal and submit their applications, including a resume, for the specific roles they qualify for. The company has a structured internal screening and selection process to identify the most suitable candidates for the advertised positions. The platform also hosts information on Safaricom's internship program, which provides a pipeline for young talent into the organization.