TL;DR
- Computer and internet usage in Kenya is significantly higher in urban areas than in rural regions, with Nairobi leading in access while counties like Wajir and Turkana lag behind.
- Men have higher computer and internet usage than women, especially in rural areas where digital literacy and access to technology remain limited.
- Mobile phone ownership is widespread, with 93.5% of households owning at least one device, though some counties still rely heavily on borrowed phones.
- Counties with higher ICT access, such as Nairobi and Kiambu, also have stronger economic performance, indicating that improving digital infrastructure could drive economic growth.
The latest ICT Access and Usage Data report reveals significant disparities in computer usage in Kenya, internet usage in Kenya, and mobile phone penetration across counties.
These variations highlight a persistent digital divide between urban and rural areas, affecting digital literacy, economic opportunities, and access to online services.
Computer Usage in Kenya
Computer access in Kenya remains limited. Nationally, only 10.7% of households have a computer, with significant differences across counties.
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: Computer usage is significantly higher in urban areas (20.9%) compared to rural areas (7.3%). The lack of computers in rural areas reflects disparities in technology access, infrastructure development, and digital literacy programs.
- Gender Gap: Men are more likely to use computers than women. The report shows 13.1% of males used computers compared to 10.1% of females.
Counties with the Highest Computer Usage
- Nairobi City – 27.8%
- Nyeri – 21.3%
- Kisumu – 15.8%
- Mombasa – 15.4%
- Laikipia – 13.6%
- Kiambu – 14.7%
- Machakos – 13.5%
- Taita-Taveta – 13.4%
- Nakuru – 13.8%
- Embu – 13.1%
These counties tend to have better infrastructure, higher literacy rates, and more access to digital learning resources.
Counties with the Lowest Computer Usage
- Wajir – 2.0%
- Mandera – 3.5%
- Marsabit – 3.5%
- Tana River – 3.7%
- Garissa – 4.6%
A significant 48.9% of counties report household computer access below 5%, underscoring widespread digital exclusion.
Internet Usage in Kenya
Internet access is a key indicator of digital inclusion. The report shows that 35% of the population used the internet in the three months preceding the survey.
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: Internet penetration is higher in urban areas (56.6%) compared to rural areas (25%). The difference is largely due to the availability of network infrastructure and affordability of internet services.
- Gender Disparities: 37.8% of males reported using the internet compared to 32.2% of females. The gender gap is more pronounced in rural areas where 28.3% of men used the internet compared to 21.7% of women.
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Counties with the Highest Internet Usage
- Nairobi City – 64.7%
- Kiambu – 54.0%
- Nyeri – 50.1%
- Mombasa – 46.9%
- Uasin Gishu – 42.1%
- Nakuru – 40.1%
- Laikipia – 38.0%
- Kajiado – 37.0%
- Machakos – 37.3%
- Makueni – 36.5%
Counties with the Lowest Internet Usage
- West Pokot – 9.1%
- Turkana – 12.7%
- Samburu – 18.9%
- Tana River – 15.5%
- Garissa – 16.5%
Mobile Phone Ownership in Kenya
Mobile phone penetration is relatively high across the country, with 93.5% of households owning at least one mobile phone.
- Urban vs. Rural Ownership: Urban areas have a higher mobile phone ownership rate (64.6%) compared to rural areas (48.6%).
- Gender Parity: Mobile phone ownership is almost equal between men (54.5%) and women (52.9%).
Counties with the Highest Mobile Phone Ownership
- Nairobi – 98.8%
- Mombasa – 96.5%
- Kiambu – 95.2%
- Kisumu – 94.8%
Counties with the Lowest Mobile Phone Ownership
- Turkana – 69.1%
- West Pokot – 72.5%
- Samburu – 74.2%
- Mandera – 75.1%
Reliance on Non-Owned Mobile Phones
A notable percentage of the population depends on borrowed or shared mobile phones. Nationally, 11.3% of individuals use phones they do not own, with higher reliance in urban areas (11.8%) than rural areas (11.0%).
Counties like Nyandarua (22.2%) and Taita-Taveta (20.1%) have the highest reliance on non-owned phones, while Bomet and Narok report the lowest at 2.0% each.
The Economic Impact of ICT Access
The 2024 Gross County Product (GCP) Report shows that counties with better ICT access tend to have stronger economies.
Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru, which rank high in ICT penetration, also contribute significantly to Kenya’s GDP. Conversely, counties with lower ICT penetration, such as Turkana and West Pokot, show weaker economic performance.
Expanding internet connectivity, improving digital literacy, and making digital tools more affordable could enhance economic growth, especially in underserved areas.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Several factors contribute to ICT disparities in Kenya. Poor network coverage and lack of electricity in some regions hinder ICT access.
The high cost of internet services and digital devices makes technology inaccessible for many. Additionally, low digital literacy levels prevent a large portion of the population from utilizing digital resources effectively.
Cultural and social norms also play a role, as some communities restrict women’s access to digital tools.
Addressing these issues requires investment in infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and targeted digital literacy programs. Encouraging private-sector partnerships can also help expand ICT access and bridge the digital divide.
