This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
July 3, 2019
Michael Joseph, the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Safaricom PLC, has addressed the mixed reactions among Kenyans on social media following his appointment to the position after the demise of Bob Collymore.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Tuesday evening, Michael Joseph stated that he was selected because officials currently serving in various senior capacities at the company were not ready to fill in Collymore's shoes at the moment.
According to Michael Joseph, 'at this point we (board) thought that none of them was ready for this role today.'
He further emphasized that his role is only on a caretaker basis, and he is well capable of steering the company in the right path due to his familiarity with the position.
Michael Joseph also revealed that the search for a successor to Collymore, whose term was initially set to end in August 2019, began 18 months ago but stalled due to demands and pressure from various corners.
He stated that the board decided to put the search on hold for a while and asked Bob Collymore to stay for another year while they thought about how to proceed.
Michael Joseph also heaped praises on the deceased Safaricom boss, saying he grew into the role and took it to another level during his tenure.
He added that their friendship and bond grew stronger while Collymore was receiving treatment for his cancer in London.
Michael Joseph further stated that he would not relinquish his seat as Kenya Airways Board Chairman, saying his appointment at Safaricom is only temporary and will only take 'a day, a week, or even a month.'
