Michael Joseph has resigned as a Director of the Board of Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications company.

Safaricom Board, while announcing the resignation on Tuesday evening, said Joseph had opted to resign to focus on “other ventures” which include Chairman of Kenya Airways.

According to the board, the resignation takes effect from August 1, 2023.

“Michael leaves the Board to focus on other ventures in his life including continuing his role as Chairman of Kenya Airways and being a director in various organizations,” said the board in a statement.

The board added: “He will continue to pursue his passions in matters of conservation and community service.”

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Apart from being the founding CEO after joining Safaricom in 2000, Joseph has served in various other positions including General Manager, Director and Chairman of the Board.

“Notably, Michael was the founding CEO of Safaricom Limited, steering the Company from a subscriber base of less than 18,000 in 2000 to over 17 million subscribers by his retirement in November 2010 making it the most successful company in East Africa,” the Board stated.

He is credited with unveiling Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations as well as M-Pesa Foundation Academy that support various projects including health, education and culture.

The telco also credits Joseph with overseeing the issuance of Safaricom's first bond and Initial Public Offer in 2007 as well as the opening of Safaricomn Ethiopia in October 2022.