I am delighted to share with you the latest statistics and research on Internet uptake and projected growth in Kenya. The use of the Internet has become increasingly popular in Kenya with more than 17.86 million people using the Internet, according to the Digital Kenya Report 2023; This means that Kenya has a 67.9% Internet penetration rate according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) report of March 2023. The uptake of mobile broadband has continued to increase as the consumers desire faster Internet speeds.
Connected Mobile Devices
At the same time, the number of mobile devices stood at 62.96 million as at the end of the quarter, translating to a device penetration rate of 124.5 per cent. The penetration rate for feature phones and smartphones stood at 66.2 per cent and 58.3 per cent respectively.
During the period, the total international Internet bandwidth available in the country grew by 20.4 percent to 14,413.053Gbps attributed largely to capacity upgrade on the cable by TEAMS during the period. Similarly, the total utilized undersea bandwidth capacity increased by 25.5 percent to 5,161.918Gbps while 2,953.820Gbps was sold outside the country.
This is an indication of the growing demand for Internet services in Kenya, especially with the increased adoption of digital technologies in various sectors such as e-commerce, telecommunication and education. Furthermore, mobile Internet remains the primary source of Internet access in Kenya, accounting for 59.6% of total subscriptions. Access the full report now.
Projected Growth Statistics
The projected future growth of Internet usage in Kenya is promising. The digital and connectivity indicator sector is a rapidly evolving and plays a pivotal role in assessing and monitoring the digital transformation of communities and economies. The number of unique mobile Internet subscribers in Kenya is expected to grow to 28.6 million by 2025, representing a 39% penetration rate. This growth is attributed to various factors, such as the increasing availability of affordable smartphones, the expansion of 4G/5G networks, and the government’s efforts to improve Internet infrastructure and access. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, further driving the growth of Internet usage in the country.
Impact of Internet in Kenya
The impact of Internet uptake and growth in Kenya is significant and far-reaching; It has revolutionized how people communicate, work, and access information. For instance, the Internet has facilitated the growth of e-commerce in Kenya, enabling people to shop online, make payments, date and receive orders at their doorstep not forgetting getting direction via Google Maps.
Additionally, the Internet has transformed how people access healthcare services, especially in remote areas, through telemedicine solutions. The Internet has revolutionized and improved education in Kenya, with more institutions adopting online learning platforms, making education more accessible, exciting and affordable.
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The Internet uptake in Kenya is on an upward trajectory, and the projected growth is promising. This presents numerous opportunities for businesses, governments, and individuals to leverage the potential of the Internet and digital technologies to drive growth, innovation, creativity and achieve sustainability. I encourage you to explore the available research and statistics as well as data available and make informed decisions on how to tap into the potential benefits of the Internet.
