NAIROBI, Kenya- A new report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in collaboration with the Communications Authority (CA), paints a detailed picture of internet usage in Kenya, revealing stark disparities based on gender, geography, and age.
The findings, derived from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, highlight the evolving digital landscape of the nation.
The data underscores a pronounced urban-rural divide in daily internet usage. In urban areas, 77pc of men and 69.8pc of women access the internet daily.
However, in rural settings, these numbers drop to 58pc for men and 53.1pc for women. Nationally, 73.4pc of urban residents use the internet daily compared to 55.6pc of rural residents.
Interestingly, rural women were more likely to use the internet at least once a week (28.5pc) compared to rural men (20.1pc). This trend deviates from the overall pattern, as men typically outpace women in digital activity.
While men dominate daily internet usage nationally at 63.5pc compared to women, urban areas close the gap slightly.
Nairobi leads with the highest proportions of internet users, with 89.7pc of men and 76.4pc of women online almost every day. Other counties such as Kiambu and Uasin Gishu also feature prominently in internet usage rates for both genders.
Counties like Mandera, Tana River, and Turkana, however, report the lowest internet penetration rates. These areas highlight the persistent challenge of expanding digital access to marginalized regions.
Kenyan internet users aged 25-34 emerge as the most digitally active group. Among men in this age bracket, 73.9pc use the internet daily, while 65.4pc of women do the same.
This demographic leads the charge in embracing digital connectivity, suggesting a strong link between age and technological engagement.
The national averages indicate that men and women experience differing access levels, with males at 56.2pc and females at 44.2pc. This disparity reflects broader societal patterns influencing digital adoption.
The KNBS report sheds light on Kenya’s dynamic digital divide, influenced by gender, geography, and generational factors.
While urban areas like Nairobi showcase robust internet penetration, rural regions and certain counties lag significantly. Bridging these gaps will be critical for fostering equitable digital inclusion across the country.
