NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyans under the age of 34 are leading the charge in internet usage, according to the latest Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report by the Communications Authority (CA).
This report, covering the fourth quarter ending in July, reveals significant insights into the demographic trends and patterns in internet use across the country.
The report indicates a marked increase in internet use among younger demographics. Those aged between 15-17 years saw their internet usage rise from 61pc in the third quarter to 66pc in the fourth.
Similarly, the 18-24 age group experienced a slight increase from 77pc to 78pc, while the 25-34 age group went up marginally from 67pc to 68pc.
This trend underscores the growing digital engagement among Kenya’s youth, who are becoming increasingly connected through various online platforms.
“Over half of the respondents are internet users, with a higher proportion of males compared to females. Additionally, internet usage is more prevalent among individuals under 34 years old,” stated the CA.
The disparity in internet usage between urban and rural areas remains pronounced.
Urban centers account for 78pc of total internet users, in stark contrast to rural areas where only 49pc of the population is online.
Nairobi leads with an impressive 80pc internet accessibility, followed by North Eastern at 74pc, while Lower Eastern lags with just 44pc.
“The increased prevalence of internet access in Kenyan urban areas can be attributed to well-established infrastructure, featuring a comprehensive network of high-speed broadband and cellular connectivity. Additionally, urban areas have better socioeconomic resources, fostering greater penetration of digital devices and technology adoption compared to rural regions,” explained the CA.
Smartphones dominate as the primary device for internet access, with a staggering 98.6pc of users accessing the internet via these devices in the fourth quarter, up from 87.2pc in the third quarter.
This highlights the crucial role of mobile technology in bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion across different demographics.
“The primary mode of internet access is through smartphones, highlighting their crucial role in connecting users and providing access to information. As mobile technology advances, ensuring equitable access to smartphones is essential for promoting digital inclusion and bridging connectivity gaps across different demographics,” the report states.
Other devices such as laptops, smart televisions, and tablets followed with significantly lower usage rates, reflecting the overwhelming preference for smartphones among Kenyan internet users.
