Kenya gets 10pc Telkom stake for free as part of Helios’ deal

A Telkom Kenya outlet on Koinange Street in Nairobi. Kenya has received a 10 per cent stake, for free, in Telkom Kenya as part of a deal through which private equity firm Helios will take over a majority interest in the underperforming telco from France Telecom. PHOTO | FILE

Kenya has received a 10 per cent stake, for free, in Telkom Kenya as part of a deal through which private equity firm Helios will take over a majority interest in the underperforming telco from France Telecom.

After a series of meetings late last month, sources disclosed that France Telecom agreed to cede the 10 per cent stake in exchange for the government not exercising its pre-emptive rights over the transaction before the Helios deal was announced.