COMESA dismisses viral claims of KES 7.8 Billion fine against Airtel Kenya

May 29, 2026 in Companies, Trade & Industry by Editor

The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has dismissed as false a viral social media report claiming Airtel Kenya had been fined KES 7.8 billion, clarifying that investigations into Airtel Group’s money transfer services are still ongoing.

 

The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post claiming that it had imposed a KES 7.8 billion fine on Airtel Kenya over alleged misleading mobile money transaction charges.

In a statement issued on May 29, 2026, the regional competition regulator said the publication circulating online did not originate from the Commission and warned the public against relying on unverified information.

“The Commission categorically disassociates itself from the said post and urges members of the public to disregard it in its entirety,” the statement said.

The Commission clarified that its current engagement involving Airtel Group is limited to an ongoing investigation into possible violations of Articles 27 and 28 of the COMESA Competition Regulations.

According to the regulator, the investigation, which was publicly announced in January 2025, relates specifically to Airtel Group’s international money transfer services in Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya.

The Commission stressed that it has not issued any decision, findings, or financial penalties against Airtel Kenya in connection with either the alleged mobile money charges or the ongoing investigation.

“The Commission will communicate the outcome of the investigation upon conclusion of all necessary investigative and procedural processes,” it added.

The statement comes amid growing concern across the region over the spread of misinformation through social media platforms, particularly regarding regulatory actions involving major telecom and financial services firms.

COMESA further warned against the illegal use of its name, forged documents, and the circulation of false publications purporting to represent official Commission decisions.

The regulator said it is reviewing the source and circulation of the false publication and may pursue legal action against individuals responsible for creating or spreading the misinformation.

The clarification is significant for Airtel Group’s operations across East and Southern Africa, where mobile money services remain a major pillar of financial inclusion and cross-border digital payments.