- Safaricom has introduced nine new mobile number prefixes across Kenya.
- The new ranges became available on 10 August 2026 through Safaricom shops and authorised dealers.
- The expansion is intended to meet rising demand for mobile numbers.
- Safaricom says the move follows pressure on the traditional 07-prefix numbering series.
- The rollout comes as the company reports record financial performance and continued subscriber growth.
Safaricom PLC has expanded its mobile network numbering capacity by introducing nine new mobile number prefixes as demand for SIM cards continues to rise across Kenya and Ethiopia.
The telecommunications giant announced that the new ranges became available on 10 August 2026 through all Safaricom shops and authorised dealer outlets nationwide.
Customers can now acquire numbers beginning with 0118, 0119, 0140, 0141, 0142, 0143, 0180, 0181 and 0182.
Safaricom confirmed the rollout through its official social media channels, saying the additional ranges would give customers more options for staying connected.
“Fresh number, fresh start! Safaricom’s new number ranges are here, giving you more ways to stay connected to the people and moments that matter,” the company said in its announcement.
The latest expansion follows growing pressure on the company’s existing numbering resources, particularly the long-established 07-prefix series. Kenya introduced the 01XX range in 2018 to supplement the older 07XX numbers as mobile subscriptions increased.
The newly launched prefixes further expand that inventory and are intended to ensure that Safaricom can continue issuing new mobile numbers without interruption.
Industry analysts have noted that Kenya’s mobile penetration remains among the highest in Africa, with demand for new SIM cards continuing to rise because of smartphone adoption, mobile money usage and data services.
Safaricom says its customer base has continued to expand strongly in both Kenya and Ethiopia. The company now serves more than 71.6 million customers across the two markets.
That growth has increased pressure on numbering resources and network infrastructure, making additional prefixes necessary to support future subscriber additions.
The numbering announcement comes shortly after Safaricom reported the strongest financial performance in its history. For the financial year ended March 2026, the company recorded annual revenues of KSh 400 billion.
Shareholders approved a total dividend payout of KSh 80.13 billion, including a final dividend of KSh 1.15 per share, bringing the full-year payout to KSh 2.00 per share.
Safaricom’s share price rose 50.3 per cent during the financial year, lifting the company’s market capitalisation to approximately KSh 1.44 trillion.
The strong investor performance has reinforced Safaricom’s position as one of East Africa’s most valuable listed companies.
The company said the new prefixes are immediately available at Safaricom retail outlets and authorised dealers across the country. Existing customers will keep their current numbers, while the new ranges are primarily intended for new SIM registrations and additional lines.
With mobile services continuing to expand across East Africa, Safaricom says the additional numbering capacity is designed to support future growth and ensure that new customers can continue joining the network without delays.
