Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, is embroiled in a storm of controversy as its CEO, Peter Ndegwa, faces accusations of enabling customer data misuse.
Two prominent lobby groups have come forward with claims that Safaricom has been breaching privacy rights by sharing sensitive customer data with state security agencies without due process.
These allegations have sparked outrage, with critics questioning Ndegwa’s leadership and the company’s commitment to protecting its customers’ trust.
Under Ndegwa’s leadership, Safaricom has been accused of providing unauthorized access to customer information, allegedly aiding state agencies in the surveillance and apprehension of political activists and dissidents.
According to critics, the telco has shared data such as call logs, geolocation, and text records without the necessary court orders.
These claims suggest a troubling pattern of compliance with government demands at the expense of consumer rights.
Concerns have also been raised about the integrity of data presented in court cases.
Some suspect that call records and location data may have been manipulated to mask illegal activities such as extrajudicial abductions.
These allegations have led to widespread criticism of Ndegwa’s administration, with detractors accusing him of allowing Safaricom to act as a tool for state surveillance.
In response to the allegations, Safaricom has asserted its compliance with Kenya’s data protection laws, maintaining that customer data is only shared under court orders.
The company has also denied using its Call Data Records (CDR) for real-time tracking, claiming that the system’s primary purpose is billing.
However, these defenses have done little to assuage public fears. Lawmakers have entered the fray, calling for greater scrutiny of Safaricom’s data practices.
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang’ has demanded an audit of the company’s data management systems, while Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has accused Safaricom of recklessly exposing customer data.
Omtatah has also urged Safaricom to be more transparent about its operations and to prioritize user privacy.
Safaricom’s partnership with Neural Technologies, a firm specializing in fraud management systems, has added to the controversy.
While the partnership aims to curb fraud, critics argue that it opens the door to potential misuse of customer data for surveillance.
The lack of transparency surrounding this collaboration has fueled further skepticism about Safaricom’s commitment to protecting consumer rights.
These allegations come amid growing dissatisfaction with Safaricom’s handling of customer complaints.
Reports of data breaches, mobile money theft, and delayed dispute resolutions are increasingly common.
Critics accuse the company of prioritizing corporate profits over consumer rights, a trend that has tarnished its image under Ndegwa’s leadership.
Peter Ndegwa faces mounting pressure to address these allegations transparently and implement reforms to restore public confidence.
