NAIROBI, Kenya – Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) added 3,672 employees in the year to June 30, 2026, as investment in 5G, artificial intelligence and digital services continued to expand.
The number of people employed by mobile operators rose to 11,660, up from 7,988 a year earlier, representing a 46 per cent increase, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) fourth-quarter Sector Statistics Report.
The workforce comprised 56 per cent men and 44 per cent women.
“As of 30th June 2026, the number of persons employed by MNOs stood at 11,660 up from 7,988 reported in the previous year with male to female ratio of 56:44,” the report states.
Mobile Operators Expand Workforce
The sharp increase in employment comes as Kenya’s mobile telecommunications industry expands beyond traditional voice and data services.
Operators are investing in 5G networks, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and other technology infrastructure, creating demand for additional technical and digital skills.
The sector’s expansion has also been accompanied by increased investment in network capacity as operators seek to support growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services.
Safaricom Doubles 5G Coverage
Safaricom has significantly expanded its 5G network coverage.
The operator increased its 5G sites to 1,700 in the 2025 financial year, up from 803 sites a year earlier, representing a 111.7 per cent increase.
The expansion has allowed Safaricom to extend 5G connectivity to more parts of the country while supporting services that require faster speeds and lower latency.
The company is also increasing its investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure as it prepares to integrate AI into its operations and services.
Airtel Expands 5G Network
Airtel Kenya launched its 5G network in July 2023, initially deploying 370 sites across 16 counties and 180 wards.
The rollout formed part of the operator’s broader investment in high-speed mobile connectivity as competition in Kenya’s telecommunications market intensified.
Telkom Kenya has also remained part of the country’s mobile network operator market, contributing to the overall employment figures reported by the Communications Authority.
Safaricom Sets Aside Sh65 Billion for AI
Safaricom has allocated approximately Sh65 billion towards artificial intelligence infrastructure, highlighting the growing importance of AI in the telecommunications industry.
The investment is expected to support the development and deployment of AI-driven technologies as the company expands its digital services.
The push into AI comes as telecommunications companies globally increasingly use the technology for areas such as customer service, network optimisation, fraud detection and data analysis.
Women Account for 44 Per Cent of Workforce
The CA figures also show a gender gap in employment across mobile network operators.
Women accounted for 44 per cent of the industry’s workforce, compared with 56 per cent for men.
The figures provide a snapshot of employment in Kenya’s mobile telecommunications sector as operators continue to expand their networks and invest in emerging technologies.
With 5G and AI investment accelerating, the industry is expected to remain a major employer of technology, engineering and digital professionals.
