Michael Joseph oddly leaves his director role at Safaricom

By Victor MUJIDU

Safaricom board director Michael Joseph has resigned effective August 1, the telecom company announced in a press release Tuesday evening, the cause to his resignation remains unclear.

Michael Joseph who is the founding CEO of Safaricom has stepped down with report indicating that he is seeking to focus on “other ventures”.

Mr. Joseph has served in various capacities at the organization since 2000 including general manager, and chairman of the board. He tremendously steered the company from a subscriber base of less than 18,000 in 2000 to over 17 million subscribers by his retirement in 2010.

Also Read: Michael Joseph takes over as Safaricom Boss in acting capacity

“Notably, Michael was the founding CEO of Safaricom Limited, steering the Company from a subscriber base of less than 18,000 in 2000 to over 17 million subscribers by his retirement in November 2010 making it the most successful company in East Africa,” noted the Board.

His positive deeds to the company have been lauded by the board, acknowledging him for being the mastermind behind the innovation of both the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations which have supported many projects throughout Kenya in education, health, culture and conservation to name a few.

The board has credited Michael Joseph for being behind the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations’ launch that has brought benefits to the business sector.

“He, together with the late Bob Collymore, launched the highly successful M-PESA Foundation Academy,” added the Board
Safaricom PLC company Secretary, Kathryne Maundu, highlighted the impact extended by Mr. Jospeh not only to the company but also to the communities countrywide.

“It is the deep foundation and connection with the communities that Michael developed that led to the phenomenal growth, development of innovative products and services, ensuring Safaricom became deeply embedded in every bit of our society,” stated Maundu.

His ongoing pursuits will encompass interests in conservation and community service.

Also read: John NGUMI polemically leaves his role as Safaricom Chairman

“The board takes this opportunity to thank Michael for his dedicated service, sound advice, and commitment to Safaricom and wishes him the very best for the future,” Maundu added.

Joseph served in various capacities as well as twice as a chief executive officer and once as a chairman of the board.

He is credited with the launch of mobile money platform M-Pesa and taking the telecommunication company public in June 2008. The company also credited him with being behind the Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations, which support various education, health, culture and conservation projects in Kenya.

When he relinquished his post as board chairman last August, Mr Joseph said he stepped down so that he could “devote more time to Kenya Airways during this critical time to ensure that we continue the work of restructuring and refinancing for KQ”, as well as devote more time for Safaricom’s investments in Ethiopia.

Joseph is also a Board Chairman of Kenya Airways and sits on boards of other organisations.