Safaricom Data Theft Case Heads to High Court After Settlement Talks Fail

Nairobi, Kenya - A high-profile legal battle involving telecommunications giant Safaricom is set to proceed to a full hearing before the High Court after attempts to settle out of court collapsed. The case centers on the alleged theft of personal data belonging to 11.5 million Safaricom subscribers, a scandal that has raised significant concerns about data privacy and corporate accountability in Kenya's telecom industry.

The stolen data, which included sensitive personal information such as subscribers' names, ID and passport numbers, phone contacts, locations, and betting histories, was reportedly misappropriated by two former senior managers at Safaricom. The managers allegedly shared the data with a businessman named Benedict Kabugi, who intended to sell it to a major sports betting firm. The scheme was uncovered before the transaction could be completed, leading to legal action against those involved.

Safaricom, one of Kenya's largest telecommunications providers, sought to resolve the matter through an out-of-court settlement, but negotiations have broken down, paving the way for a full trial. The High Court hearing is expected to scrutinize the roles of the former managers and Kabugi, as well as Safaricom's internal data protection measures. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the scale of the data breach and its potential implications for consumer trust in the telecom sector.

The exposed data, particularly the inclusion of subscribers' betting histories, has sparked public outrage, as it highlights vulnerabilities in how personal information is handled by major corporations. The attempted sale to a sports betting firm further underscores the commercial value of such data and the risks of its misuse. Legal experts anticipate that the court's ruling could set a precedent for data protection regulations in Kenya, potentially influencing policies on how companies safeguard customer information.

As the case heads to trial, Safaricom faces mounting pressure to address concerns about its data security protocols and to reassure its millions of subscribers. The outcome of the hearing could have far-reaching consequences for the company and the broader telecommunications industry in Kenya.