Micheal Joseph Resigns From Safaricom Board

Safaricom’s Board Director, Michael Joseph, has resigned effectively from August 1, as announced by the company in a press release.

According to the press release, Michael resigned from his position to concentrate on other ventures in his life, including maintaining his role as Chairman of Kenya Airways and serving as a director in various organizations. He will continue to follow his passions for conservation and community service.

Michael has held various roles within Safaricom since 2000, including General Manager, CEO (twice), Director, as well as participation in various board committees.

Michael was the founding CEO of Safaricom, leading the company from a subscriber base of under 18,000 in 2000 to over 17 million subscribers by his retirement in November 2010, making it the most successful company in East Africa.

He is also sometimes referred to as the father of M-Pesa, as he oversaw and supported the launch of the financial technology that is still considered the best in Africa to this day.

Michael was also the driving force behind the establishment of the Safaricom and M-PESA foundations, which have supported numerous projects throughout Kenya in education, health, culture, and conservation, among others. He, along with the late Bob Collymore, launched the M-PESA Foundation.

He has also played a crucial role in Safaricom’s significant achievements over the years, including the issuance of Safaricom’s inaugural bond, the Initial Public Offer in 2007 that raised $500,000 million then, and the expansion into Ethiopia in 2021.

The board expressed gratitude to Michael for his dedicated service, sound advice, and unwavering commitment to Safaricom. They extended their best wishes for his future endeavours.