Dr. Esther Muchemi: Championing the Unsung Heroes Behind Safaricom’s Success

By John Kariuki
In Kenya’s telecom landscape, few voices have amplified grassroots enterprise like Dr. Esther Muchemi. As a longtime leader and advocate for Safaricom dealers, she’s put a spotlight on the entrepreneurs powering the network from the ground up.
“Who are Safaricom dealers?” she often asks. “We are the hands, heart, and voice of Safaricom across Kenya.” From distributing airtime and devices to offering M-Pesa services and frontline customer support, dealers are the invisible engine behind the brand’s reach and reliability.
To honor their work, Dr. Muchemi spearheaded the 2025 Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA) on April 30, recognizing top performers from across the country. “There were tears, laughter, and powerful stories of resilience,” she said. “This recognition meant the world to those who rarely get the spotlight.”
She emphasized that these green-branded shops seen in every town and village represent more than business — they are jobs, risks, and real human stories.
“Safaricom’s success is built on the back of ordinary Kenyans doing extraordinary work,” Dr. Muchemi said. “And it’s time that work was fully recognized.”
Through her leadership, the contribution of dealers is no longer overlooked — it’s celebrated.