Kenya is quickly building its name as a top travel and tech hub, with more visitors using mobile data while roaming in the country.
According to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), inbound roaming data grew by 10.6%, reaching 564.83 million megabytes over the past year.
This upward trend underscores Kenya’s increasing appeal to both international tourists and business travelers, driven by improving connectivity and rising regional integration.
The significant growth in inbound data usage reflects Kenya’s strategic position in East Africa. Nairobi continues to attract a growing number of visitors thanks to its role as a commercial capital, and gateway to some of the continent’s most iconic travel destinations.
Roaming Trends: Inbound vs. Outbound
While inbound roaming data grew by over 10%, outbound roaming, referring to Kenyans using mobile data while traveling abroad, has remained relatively unchanged.
This contrast suggests that Kenya continues to receive more international mobile users than it sends out, further affirming its role as a magnet for visitors and investors in the region.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvements
Another major contributor to the rise is improved mobile infrastructure. Kenya’s telcos, led by Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, have heavily invested in expanding 4G coverage and rolling out 5G services in urban areas. As a result, visitors can now enjoy fast and reliable internet, encouraging higher mobile data consumption while roaming.
Roaming Costs and Regional Integration Efforts
Despite the high cost of roaming across many African countries, initiatives such as the East African One Network Area (ONA) are working to reduce these charges.
Kenya’s participation in such frameworks allows for more affordable cross-border communication within the region, making it easier and cheaper for travelers to stay connected.
A Win for Telcos and the Economy
This growth in roaming data usage also presents opportunities for telecom operators. Increased usage translates to more revenue from roaming partnerships and international agreements. For the Kenyan economy, it signals growth in key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and ICT.
The 10.6% increase in inbound roaming data usage is a strong indicator of Kenya’s rising global and regional profile. As tourism rebounds and regional travel deepens, Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from increased mobile connectivity and a growing influx of data-driven visitors.
