Michael Joseph

Michael Joseph has resigned from his role as a Director on the Board of Safaricom after 23 years in executive and board roles with the company. Joseph’s resignation was announced in a statement released Tuesday evening by the Safaricom Board.

“The Board announces the resignation of Mr Michael Joseph as a Director in the Board of Safaricom PLC, with effect from 1″ August 2023,” reads the statement.

“Michael leaves the Board to focus on other ventures in his life including continuing his role as Chairman of Kenya Airways and being a director in various organizations. He will continue to pursue his passions in matters of conservation and community service.”

Michael Joseph, the founding CEO of Safaricom

Michael Joseph was the founding CEO of Safaricom. He has served in various capacities at the organization since 2000 including being the General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Director as well as Chairman of the Board. He also served as a member and Chairman of various committees of the Board.

“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,” the Board’s statement reads.

Joseph has been credited for being behind the launch of both the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations which have supported many projects in education, health, culture and conservation.

“He, together with the late Bob Collymore, launched the highly successful M-PESA Foundation Academy,” added the Board.

Michael Jospeh will continue his current role as Chairman of Kenya Airways.

Joseph – “I like being in charge”

Joseph told The Business Daily, “There is a new chairman, new board members and maybe this is  a good to step down. I am not really a good board material, I am a CEO type of person. I like being in charge.”

Michael Joseph continued, “I am not the kind of person that likes to take direction or waits for guidance and as a director, I feel a little restrained.”