This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, Telkom Chief Executive Officer Mugo Kibati expressed his frustration with Safaricom's alleged attempts to delay the merger process, which he believes would provide customers with more credible options.
According to Kibati, Safaricom's dominance in the market is stifling competition and innovation, and the continued stay of approval for the merger threatens to drive the country's telecommunications sector into monopolization.
Telkom has pegged its hope for survival and a thriving industry on the fruition of the deal, which it believes would provide customers with more choice and value for money.
However, Safaricom has shrugged off the allegations, stating that the merger would change the market structure dynamics and necessitate a new study on competition.
The Communications Authority (CA) is currently reviewing the request for interpretation, and an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission probe of Telkom's past transactions has also been cited as a roadblock to the merger.
Despite the challenges, Telkom remains committed to its goal of merging with Airtel, and the company is optimistic that the deal will provide a paradigm shift in the telecommunications sector.
