This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
On October 24, 2019, Safaricom announced the appointment of Peter Ndegwa as its new CEO, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. Ndegwa, a Kenyan national, brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure as Managing Director of Diageo Continental Europe.
However, not everyone was pleased with the appointment, with some critics questioning Ndegwa's ability to lead the company due to his ethnicity. In response, Michael Joseph, who is serving as interim CEO, has urged Kenyans to stop judging Ndegwa based on his tribe.
“Many people talk. It is unfortunate for Kenya that we always look at the tribal affiliation of somebody hired to lead a multi-national corporation. They debate whether he would be influenced politically or not. I think it is very unfortunate that that is the trademark of Kenyans in general,” Joseph said during an interview on K24.
Joseph emphasized that Ndegwa's appointment was based on merit, and that he has the necessary integrity and maturity to do the right thing for Safaricom, its shareholders, and Kenya in general.
“I don’t believe in that stuff that a Kenyan CEO would run down Safaricom. I think the Kenyan we have has the necessary integrity and maturity to do the right thing for Safaricom as a company, its shareholders, and Kenya in general. I think it is the right move politically and professionally to have a Kenyan at the helm of Safaricom,” he said.
