KNBS: 94% of Kenyan households own phones but internet usage is low
Kenya has recorded near-universal mobile phone ownership but still faces significant gaps in internet and computer usage, according to new data from the 2023/2025 Kenya Housing Survey.
The findings, jointly released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on Monday, August 11, 2025, reveal stark disparities across gender, age, and geography in the uptake of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
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The survey shows that 93.8 per cent of households nationally own a mobile phone, with ownership rates higher in urban areas (97.6 per cent) compared to rural areas (91.4 per cent). Nairobi leads in household mobile ownership at 97.6 per cent, while West Pokot trails at just 29.0 per cent.
“Among individuals, mobile phone ownership stands at 64.9 per cent nationally, with a marginal gender gap, 65.5 per cent for men and 64.4 per cent for women. However, younger Kenyans report higher uptake, with ownership peaking among the 25–34 age group,” the survey reads.
Despite the widespread availability of mobile devices, internet usage remains considerably lower. The survey indicates that 53.7 per cent of Kenyans use the internet, with higher uptake among men, 54.5 per cent, than women, 52.9 per cent.
“Urban internet penetration stands well above rural levels, reflecting differences in infrastructure and connectivity costs. Nairobi City again tops the list at 64.7 per cent, while West Pokot records the lowest rate at just 9.1 per cent,” the survey notes.
Youth and demographic usage
The youth demographic (18–34 years) exhibits a significant convergence between mobile ownership rates exceeding 80 per cent and internet use.
Yet the report notes that “a substantial portion of the population remains offline, limiting access to digital services and opportunities.”
Computer usage is notably low, with just 10.1 per cent of individuals nationally reporting use, 13.1 per cent among men and 7.9 per cent among women. This gap underscores the continued dominance of mobile devices as the primary means of accessing digital content in Kenya.
Age emerges as a major factor influencing ICT adoption. Internet use is highest among those aged 25–34 (59.3 per cent) and 15–24 (46.6 per cent), while uptake falls sharply among older age groups, dropping to just 4.4 per cent for those aged 75 and above.
KNBS observes that “age-related differences in digital literacy, device affordability, and perceived usefulness contribute to the uneven adoption of ICTs.”
The survey also identifies stark regional disparities. Besides Nairobi, other counties with high internet usage include Kiambu (54 per cent), Nyeri (50.1 per cent), and Mombasa (46.9 per cent).
In contrast, Turkana (12.7 per cent), Tana River 15.5 per cent, Marsabit 16.3 per cent, and Garissa 16.5 per cent lag significantly behind.
According to the Communications Authority, such inequalities indicate that there must be targeted interventions.
“Efforts to expand broadband coverage and improve digital skills are critical for bridging Kenya’s digital divide,” the fact sheet notes.
While Kenya’s mobile phone penetration is among the highest in Africa, the KNBS-CA report stresses that ownership does not automatically translate to full digital inclusion. High data costs, limited access to reliable electricity, and low computer ownership remain barriers to more comprehensive ICT uptake.
The findings, KNBS says, should serve as both a benchmark and a call to action.
“The 2023/24 Kenya Housing Survey ICT indicators provide an essential baseline for tracking progress towards universal access to digital services, and highlight areas where urgent interventions are needed,” KNBS notes.
With over half the population still offline, the report says Kenya faces the dual challenge of sustaining its mobile success story while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age, gender, or location, can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital era.
