NAIROBI, Kenya - Veteran telecommunications executive Steve Chege has been reappointed as Safaricom's Group Chief External Affairs Officer, a strategic move that brings him back to the Kenyan-based company to oversee its operations in both Kenya and the rapidly expanding Ethiopian market. The appointment, effective October 2025, was confirmed by Safaricom on Friday, 31 October 2025, EAT.

Chege returns to Safaricom from Vodacom Group, where he served as Chief External Affairs Officer from November 2021 to September 2025. In that role, he was responsible for regulatory, public policy, and sustainability efforts across eight African markets, including South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Egypt. His tenure at Vodacom was marked by significant achievements, including successfully navigating critical license renewals, resolving complex tax issues, and securing essential spectrum acquisitions. He also championed policy reforms in mobile money and advanced the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

A Strengthened Mandate for Regional Growth

In his new, expanded role, Chege will lead a wide-ranging portfolio that includes regulatory and external affairs, public policy, corporate communications, media relations, and corporate social investments. A key part of his mandate will be to oversee the integration of Safaricom's purpose-led agenda, including its ESG and sustainability efforts, across the entire group. This appointment is seen as a critical step for Safaricom as it continues to solidify its presence in Ethiopia, a market it entered in October 2022.

Chege's deep experience in the telecommunications sector, spanning over 17 years, will be instrumental in navigating the intricate regulatory environments in both Kenya and Ethiopia. His career at Safaricom began in 2006 as in-house counsel, and he steadily rose through the ranks to become Chief Corporate Affairs Officer in 2015, a position he held until his move to Vodacom in 2021. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Master of Laws in International Trade and Investment Law from the University of Nairobi.

Navigating a Dynamic Telecommunications Landscape

Chege's return comes at a pivotal time for Safaricom. The company is not only managing its significant expansion in Ethiopia but also addressing domestic challenges and opportunities. Recent developments include a substantial increase in its 5G network coverage in Kenya and a heightened focus on combating SIM swap fraud. The company has also been involved in significant infrastructure projects, such as a partnership with Meta to deploy a new high-capacity submarine cable linking Oman and Kenya.

His leadership in external affairs will be crucial in shaping the policy landscape and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including governments and regulatory bodies. Safaricom's purpose-led strategy, which emphasizes transforming lives through technology and sustainable business practices, will also fall under his purview. This aligns with his previous work at both Safaricom and Vodacom, where he was instrumental in positioning the companies as responsible corporate citizens.

The move is part of a series of leadership adjustments at the telecommunications giant. In early 2025, Safaricom announced other changes to its board, including the appointment of Edward Okaro as an Independent Non-Executive Director in January and further appointments in April. These changes reflect a broader strategy to strengthen governance and steer the company through its next phase of growth. As Safaricom continues to expand its footprint in the region, Chege's expertise in navigating diverse regulatory and political terrains will be a significant asset in achieving its strategic objectives.