Nairobi, March 2 -- Vodacom Group's Sh272 billion bid to take majority control of Safaricom has received clearance from the Comesa Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCC), removing a key regulatory hurdle in one of the region's closely watched telecoms transactions.

In its determination, the Commission noted that the deal will not likely hamper competition in the region, nor is it contrary to public interest.

"The panel, therefore, determined that the merger was not likely to substantially prevent competition in the Common Market or a substantial part of it, nor will it be contrary to public interest. This decision is adopted in accordance with Regulation 47 of the CCCPR," the regulator said.

The ruling paves the way for Vodacom to ...