Kenya is witnessing a significant rise in internet usage among its younger population, with individuals below the age of 34 emerging as the predominant users. The latest Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report by the Communications Authority (CA) for the fourth quarter of the year, up to July, highlights this trend, underscoring the growing digital engagement among younger demographics.
Internet Use Among Youth
The report reveals a notable increase in internet usage among those aged 15-17 years, rising from 61% in the third quarter to 66% in the fourth quarter. Similarly, the 18-24 age group saw an uptick from 77% to 78%, while those aged 25-34 experienced a slight increase from 67% to 68%. These statistics indicate that the internet is becoming an integral part of the daily lives of Kenya’s youth.
“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,” the CA report noted. This trend reflects the increasing importance of digital platforms for communication, education, and entertainment among young Kenyans.
Gender Disparity in Internet Usage
The report also highlights a gender disparity in internet usage. Males account for 68% of internet users compared to 49% among females. This disparity points to underlying socio-economic and cultural factors that may influence internet accessibility and usage among women.
Urban vs. Rural Internet Use
Urban areas in Kenya show significantly higher internet usage compared to rural regions. Urban centers account for 78% of total internet users, while only 49% of the rural population uses the internet. Nairobi leads in internet accessibility with 80%, followed by North Eastern at 74%, whereas Lower Eastern records the lowest availability at 44%.
“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,” said the CA.
Device Preferences
Smartphones dominate as the preferred device for internet access, with 98.6% of users in the fourth quarter compared to 87.2% in the third quarter. This trend underscores the crucial role of mobile technology in bridging the digital divide and providing accessible internet services to a broader population.
“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, tablets, and desktops lag significantly behind, with shares of 4.2%, 1.1%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, respectively. This preference for smartphones suggests a need for continued investment in mobile-friendly digital solutions to cater to the predominant mode of internet access in Kenya.
Internet Usage Among Older Demographics
While younger Kenyans are leading in internet usage, older age groups show a slower uptake. The 35-44 years age group reported an increase from 47% to 51% in internet use. However, the lowest levels of internet use were among those above 45 years, with only 33% accessing the internet in the fourth quarter.
Conclusion
The CA report paints a clear picture of the digital landscape in Kenya, emphasizing the dominance of internet use among the youth, the gender disparity in digital engagement, and the urban-rural divide in internet accessibility. As Kenya continues to advance in digital infrastructure and mobile technology, addressing these disparities will be crucial in fostering a more inclusive digital society.
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