July 1st, marks a poignant anniversary for Kenya – exactly six years since the passing of Bob Collymore, the visionary former CEO of Safaricom. His leadership transcended the conventional boundaries of corporate management, not only transforming Kenya’s leading telecommunications company but also leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s corporate landscape and social fabric.
Born in Guyana in 1958 and raised by his grandparents, Collymore's journey was one of global experience and relentless innovation. He moved to the UK at the age of 16, where he first dipped his toes into the telecommunications sector. His professional journey was truly international, spanning significant roles with multinationals like Vodafone across Europe, Japan, South Africa, and the UK.
In 2006, Bob Collymore brought his wealth of global expertise to Kenya, joining Safaricom. Four years later, in 2010, he made history by becoming the first non-Kenyan to be appointed CEO of the company. Under his stewardship, Safaricom embarked on a period of profound transformation.
One of his most significant strategic initiatives was the launch of the “Safaricom 2.0” strategy. This bold move fundamentally restructured the company, reorienting it to become more customer-centric, agile, and collaborative. It was a shift that prioritized the user experience and fostered an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
Collymore is also universally remembered for his pivotal role in elevating M-PESA from a promising mobile money transfer service into a truly revolutionary financial ecosystem. Under his leadership, Safaricom rolled out groundbreaking products that redefined how Kenyans accessed and interacted with financial services. These innovations included:
M-Shwari: Mobile savings and loans, democratizing access to credit.
Fuliza: Instant overdrafts, providing crucial liquidity when needed.
M-Tiba: A mobile health wallet, simplifying healthcare payments.
Jitambulishe: Voice biometrics ID, enhancing security and accessibility.
These products weren't just technological advancements; they were socio-economic game-changers, bringing millions into the formal financial system.
The statistics under Collymore's tenure speak volumes about his impact. Safaricom’s subscriber base surged from 19 million to approximately 30 million. The company's net profit experienced exponential growth, climbing from roughly KSh18 billion in 2011 to an astounding KSh63 billion by the time of his passing in 2019. At its peak, with Bob at the helm, M-PESA alone was processing transactions equivalent to nearly half of Kenya’s GDP daily, solidifying Safaricom’s position as one of the most influential corporate entities on the continent.
However, Collymore’s most profound legacy extends far beyond impressive financial figures. It is deeply rooted in his commitment to social transformation, education, and health. He was instrumental in helping formal financial access in Kenya rise dramatically from 27% in 2006 to 75% by 2016. Furthermore, he played a key role in launching the visionary M-Pesa Foundation Academy and tirelessly funded numerous community-based initiatives and talent development events.
