A city lawyer, through Goodweek Inter-Services Limited, has moved to join a case aiming to prevent Safaricom and the Communications Authority of Kenya from blocking Starlink from entering Kenya’s satellite internet market.
Goodweek Inter-Services Limited seeks to be included in the case filed by Kituo Cha Sheria, arguing that it is acting as a proxy for Safaricom.
The lawyer’s firm claims the case has been filed with the objective of maintaining Safaricom’s monopolistic control over the telecommunications market.
According to the company, Safaricom consistently uses tactics to stifle competition, with Kituo Cha Sheria playing a surrogate role in such cases.
Goodweek draws parallels to a previous case involving Equity Bank’s thin-sim technology, which was also allegedly delayed by a surrogate suit filed by Kituo Cha Sheria, benefiting Safaricom.
Goodweek Inter-Services points out that this pattern of litigation is not new, and claims that Safaricom’s legal team closely monitors and manages these cases to protect its interests.
The firm further argues that Safaricom’s actions will likely result in strained diplomatic relations between Kenya and the United States, especially considering the role of Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk.
In supporting its application to join the case, Goodweek cited a prior case (HCCHR Petition No. E299 of 2024) against Safaricom.
The firm warns that Safaricom’s anti-competitive actions could lead to attention from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and potential sanctions for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Goodweek’s argument centers on the claim that Kituo Cha Sheria consistently litigates only in cases related to Safaricom’s interests, and the current petition against Starlink serves as a strategic ploy to forestall market disruptions.
Salmon Ogwel, Goodweek’s Head of Administration, noted that regulatory bodies like the Communications Authority of Kenya and Competition Authority of Kenya are influenced by Safaricom.
These institutions are expected to produce decisions favorable to Safaricom, allowing it to maintain dominance without appearing directly involved.
Ogwel further suggested that the case’s primary intent is to delay Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market, to the benefit of Safaricom.
The company contends that these strategies are well-known and designed to manipulate the legal and regulatory space to prevent competition from taking root.
Goodweek Inter-Services insists that Safaricom’s monopolistic practices must be thoroughly investigated and halted to allow for fair competition and consumer choice in Kenya’s telecommunications sector.
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