Nairobi-based mobile network operator Safaricom is one of the leading players in the Kenyan economy and has seen consistent growth in profits over the last decade, topping approximately $375m as of the 2015 financial year.

Assisting in the establishment of several new products and dealing with the complicated regulatory environment in the sector, Safaricom’s success has been greatly abetted by a legal team that has played a central role in achieving the company’s position as one of East Africa’s pre-eminent telecommunication services providers. Justine Njono, head of legal and secretarial services, and her legal team have had to ensure the provision of a solid legal and regulatory platform to facilitate Safaricom’s many innovations in the Kenyan market, many of which were first of-their-kind offerings in the region.

These include the first rollout of 3G internet technology in Kenya, and the provision of 4G/LTE connectivity in the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. Safaricom’s legal team has received much praise in the market for its role in supporting and implementing these launches, and these qualities were also on display with the launch of innovative mobile banking service M-Pesa, a service which allows subscribers to transfer money via SMS without the need for a bank account.

Safaricom is currently looking to provide Wi-Fi internet connection at a number of public sites across Kenya, including small and medium sized enterprises, shopping malls and government agencies. The legal team is once again showing its value by overseeing the necessary partnership agreements with a both host sites and rival service providers.