Safaricom PLC has declared an interim dividend of Sh0.85 per ordinary share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, signalling strong financial performance and continued shareholder returns.

In a notice to investors, the telecommunications firm said its board approved the dividend during a meeting held on February 4, 2026. The payout will apply to shareholders whose names appear on the company’s register at the close of business on February 25, 2026, with payments expected to be made on or around March 31, 2026.

“The Board of Safaricom PLC resolved to approve the payment of an interim dividend of Sh0.85 per ordinary share for the year ending March 31, 2026,” the company said in the announcement.

Safaricom noted that the declaration was made in compliance with Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulations, in line with the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023. As a listed entity, the company is subject to oversight by the CMA.

The announcement was signed by Company Secretary Linda Wambani on February 5, 2026, following completion of all required internal and statutory approvals.

The interim dividend represents a 54.5 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting a strong half-year performance by the telco.

In its half-year results released in November 2025 for the period ended September 30, 2025, Safaricom reported solid growth across its core business segments. Service revenue grew by 11.1 per cent to Sh200 billion, driven largely by increased uptake of mobile money and data services.

Net profit rose by 52.1 per cent compared to the same period the previous year, supported by higher customer usage and improved cost efficiency.

Following the dividend announcement, Safaricom shares climbed past the Sh30 mark, closing Wednesday’s trading session at Sh30.60, up two per cent from the previous day.

The stock opened the year at Sh28.35 and has since gained 7.94 per cent, placing it 16th in year-to-date performance on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

Market analysts say the company’s outlook remains positive, noting that the share has gained five per cent over the past four weeks, ranking it 19th on the NSE over that period.