Mobile and internet use in Kenya is on the rise, but a new report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that deep disparities between urban and rural areas continue to slow progress toward full digital inclusion.
The Analytical Report on ICT, based on the 2023/24 Kenya Housing Survey, examined ICT ownership, usage, and smart technology adoption across 25,000 households in all 47 counties.
It found that mobile phone ownership now stands at 53.7% among Kenyans aged three and above.
However, urban residents (64.6%) are far ahead of their rural counterparts (48.6%), with adoption closely linked to income, education, and access to reliable electricity.
Gender Gap Narrows
The study shows near gender parity in mobile ownership, 54.5% for men and 52.9% for women. Mobile phone usage is even higher, at 64.9% nationally, with 65.5% of men and 64.4% of women actively using mobile devices.
Still, the report warns that digital exclusion remains a challenge for people living with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited schooling.
Many Kenyans continue to access mobile services through shared devices, with 11.3% using a phone without owning one. Phone sharing is slightly more common among women (11.5%) than men (11.0%) and higher in urban areas (11.8%) than rural.
Internet Adoption Led by Youth
Internet penetration now stands at 35% nationwide, with young people aged 18–34 leading the way. Over 80% of youth own a mobile phone, and 58.6% use the internet.
Nairobi tops the rankings with 64.7% internet usage, followed by Kiambu (54.0%), Nyeri (50.1%), Mombasa (46.9%), and Uasin Gishu (42.1%).
In contrast, counties such as West Pokot (9.1%), Turkana (12.7%), Tana River (15.5%), Marsabit (16.3%), and Garissa (16.5%) remain the least connected.
Top and Bottom Counties in Mobile Ownership
Highest:
- Nairobi – 67.7%
- Kirinyaga – 65.0%
- Nyandarua – 63.9%
- Murang’a – 62.3%
- Kiambu – 62.1%
Lowest:
- West Pokot – 29.0%
- Turkana – 29.4%
- Marsabit – 34.8%
- Tana River – 35.5%
- Samburu – 36.8%
Computer use remains minimal, with only 11.6% of Kenyans aged three and above using one. In urban areas, usage rises to just over 20%. Smart home technologies remain rare, especially outside high-income households.
The CA and KNBS stress that bridging the digital divide requires targeted investments in infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and nationwide digital literacy initiatives, especially in unserved and underserved counties.
“These insights provide a robust foundation for policy interventions to make Kenya a more digitally inclusive society. Bridging urban-rural and social gaps is critical for equitable national development,” said David Mugonyi, CA Director General.
Dr. Macdonald Obudho, KNBS Director General, added: “We urge all stakeholders, government, private sector, and development partners, to prioritize investments and programs that address digital access disparities and promote universal digital literacy.”
