Safaricom Declares Interim Dividend of KSh 0.85 per Share FY 2026 | Money Market Hub Kenya

Safaricom Declares Interim Dividend of KSh 0.85 per Share FY 2026 | Money Market Hub Kenya

Safaricom Declares Interim Dividend of KSh 0.85 per Share (FY 2026)

TL;DR

  • Dividend Declared: KSh 0.85 per ordinary share
  • Record Date: 25 February 2026
  • Payment Date: Around 31 March 2026
  • Dividend up from previous interim of KSh 0.55, signalling strong earnings momentum

Powerful Introduction

Safaricom PLC — East Africa’s leading telecommunications and digital services company — has just rewarded its shareholders with a higher interim dividend of KSh 0.85 per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. This strategic move reflects Safaricom’s strong operational performance, robust cash flow, and commitment to returning value to investors. As dividend declarations often drive market sentiment and investor decisions, this payout lays the foundation for analysing Safaricom’s financial positioning in 2026 and beyond.

What This Dividend Means for Investors

Interim Dividend Explained

An interim dividend is a partial dividend payment made before a company’s full audited annual results are released. It reflects confidence from the board in ongoing performance.

Key Dividend Details

Item Detail
Dividend per share KSh 0.85
Record date 25 February 2026
Payment date ~31 March 2026
Eligible Investors Shareholders on register by record date

Comparison with Past Safaricom Payouts

Safaricom has a track record of steady dividends:

  • FY 2025 Interim: KSh 0.55 per share
  • FY 2025 Total (Interim + Final): KSh 1.20 per share

The jump from KSh 0.55 to KSh 0.85 underscores improved first-half earnings momentum. Pro investors often use interim dividends as forward indicators of profitability trends.

Dividend Strategy and Buy-Date Tactics

To capture this dividend, investors must ensure their shares are settled in their Central Depository System (CDS) accounts by 25 February 2026. Shares bought after this date will not qualify for this payout.

Implications for Your Investment Portfolio

Dividend Yield Potential

To calculate dividend yield:
Dividend Yield = (Dividend per share / Share price) × 100%

Tax Considerations (Kenya)

Dividend income in Kenya is subject to withholding tax for both residents and non-residents. Consult KRA or a tax advisor for guidance.

Internal Blog Links (SEO & Engagement)

FAQ

Q1: When will Safaricom pay the KSh 0.85 dividend?
A: Around 31 March 2026 to shareholders on record by 25 February 2026.

Q2: Does owning shares after record date qualify for this dividend?
A: No — only shares on the register as of 25 Feb 2026 qualify.

Q3: How does this interim dividend compare with FY 2025?
A: It’s a notable increase from the prior interim of KSh 0.55.

📌 Want real-time Kenyan investment insights and dividend alerts?
Join our WhatsApp Channel Now!

About the Author

Postine Ngeli – Investment Research Analyst & Finance Writer

Postine Ngeli specialises in Kenyan equities, dividend strategy, and financial market analysis, helping investors make data-backed decisions for sustainable passive income. Connect via the WhatsApp channel above or follow the latest research on this blog.

Disclaimer

This blog is educational and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice or an offer to buy/sell securities. Investors should consult own research. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Conclusion

Safaricom’s interim dividend of KSh 0.85 per share for FY 2026 signals strong earnings confidence. Compared to prior years, this elevated interim level suggests stronger operational performance and shareholder focus. For dividend-focused investors on the NSE, aligning trading activity with record dates and dividend capture strategies can enhance portfolio returns. Understanding Safaricom’s payout patterns and integrating them with broader investment principles helps build a resilient, income-oriented portfolio.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Shares in Kenya Explained: How to Start Investing Today With Any Amount

💰 High-Yield Special Funds in Kenya 2026

SACCOs vs Money Market Funds in Kenya: Complete In-Depth Analysis