Nairobi, Kenya- Kenya’s biggest telecommunications player, Safaricom, is making major strides in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual assistance, and cutting-edge technology—and it’s not just about staying ahead in the telecom game.
The company is doubling down on nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and shaping Kenya’s digital future.
At this year’s Safaricom De{c0}dE event, an annual summit that brings together tech leaders, industry experts, students, and policymakers, the focus was clear: AI is here, and it’s transforming how Kenyans work, interact, and innovate.
Good morning from Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi Kenya for the 3rd edition of Safaricom Decode, East Africa Edition! 🚀This is where the future of tech comes alive! Over the next 3 days, we’re diving deep into Fintech, AI, Cybersecurity, and Sustainable Development. Expect…
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, who kicked off the three-day event, made it clear that this isn’t just about flashy technology—it’s about helping young talent find their way in an AI-driven world.
“If you’re a student and you’re not exploring AI, whether you’re in engineering or not, you’re missing out on one of the biggest opportunities of our time,” Ndegwa emphasized
Themed “Charting East Africa’s Digital Destiny,” this year’s event highlighted how AI, satellite connectivity, and smart networks are shaping the region’s future.
At Safaricom Decode 3.0, CEO Peter Ndegwa (@PeterNdegwa_ ) outlined how AI is reshaping customer experience, fraud detection and new revenue models. By 2027, 70% of customer resolutions will be AI-powered!🔗 Read more: techarena.co.ke/2025/03/18/saf…#safaricomdecode #AI…
AI at Safaricom: Smarter Customer Service, Fraud Prevention, and Business Growth
Safaricom isn’t just talking about AI—it’s actively integrating it into its services. Ndegwa broke down the company’s AI focus into three key areas:
- AI-Powered Customer Experience – Meet Zuri, Safaricom’s AI chatbot assistant. Whether it’s handling customer queries or preemptively alerting users about potential fraud, AI is helping the company create seamless, personalized interactions.
- Monetization & Smart Networks – AI isn’t just improving service—it’s unlocking new revenue streams. From business intelligence to network optimization, Safaricom is leveraging AI to enhance user experience and drive profitability.
- Solving Societal Challenges – AI isn’t just about business—it’s about impact. Through its services, Safaricom is empowering communities with access to opportunities and information, proving that technology can be a force for good.
Looking ahead, the company is setting ambitious targets, forecasting seven million AI users by 2027.
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐢, 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 #𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚: 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡…
Satellite Tech and the Next M-Pesa Moment
One of the biggest revelations at De{c0}dE? Satellite technology is coming to Kenya, set to complement traditional terrestrial networks and expand universal connectivity.
“AI won’t replace people—it will enable them to perform optimally,” Ndegwa reassured attendees.
And if history is any indicator, Safaricom is gunning for its next big breakthrough, akin to the success of M-Pesa. Could AI be the key to unlocking the next digital revolution?
The De{c0}dE event isn’t just about showcasing innovation—it’s about inspiring the next wave of tech leaders in East Africa. As AI continues to evolve, Kenya is positioning itself as a key player in the global digital economy.
With AI shaping everything from customer interactions to business intelligence, Safaricom’s commitment to tech innovation is clear.
The question isn’t whether AI will change Kenya’s digital landscape—it’s how fast and how far it will go.
For students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts, the takeaway from De{c0}dE 2024 is simple: AI is the future, and the time to dive in is now.
