Why mobile internet use in Kenya remains subdued

Affordability remains the most significant hurdle to mobile internet adoption in Kenya, compounded by digital literacy gaps and safety concerns, according to the GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report.

While the mobile internet has transformed lives, these barriers highlight the need for targeted interventions to unlock its full potential.

A primary obstacle for many Kenyans is the high cost of smartphones. In urban areas, 53 per cent of people aware of mobile internet but not using it cite handset affordability as a barrier, compared to 45 per cent in rural areas.

Entry-level smartphones are often beyond the reach of low-income households, despite data costs being relatively affordable. In 2023, Kenya’s average cost of mobile data stood at $0.84 per GB (about Sh126), one of the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. 

However, the combined cost of a basic smartphone and data plan can consume nearly 18 per cent of a household’s monthly income, pricing out many potential users.

“The principal obstacles to mobile internet adoption include affordability of handsets and data, literacy, digital skills, and safety concerns,” the report states.

To tackle this challenge, the government, in partnership with Safaricom, has initiated local smartphone assembly, producing devices priced at approximately $40 (about Sh6,000).

This project aims to significantly lower the cost barrier and expand access to mobile internet. Additionally, the government is rolling out over 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, with 61 already operational and at least two planned for each county by mid-2025.

These efforts aim to extend internet access to underserved areas while boosting local businesses through e-commerce opportunities.

Surprisingly, the report reveals that urban areas face greater challenges, with 55 per cent of respondents in cities struggling with basic reading and writing skills compared to just 11 per cent in rural areas. This disparity may reflect unequal access to quality education or socio-economic differences.

To address digital literacy, the government has established digital skills labs in 17 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and trained approximately 73,000 youths in digital skills under the Ajira programme between July and December 2022. These initiatives aim to improve employability in Kenya’s growing digital economy.

Relevance also hinders adoption, as 7 per cent of urban and 6 per cent of rural respondents see no value in going online. Furthermore, 3 per cent of rural users and 2 per cent in urban areas note a lack of content in local languages.

Efforts to create meaningful, culturally resonant content could bridge this gap. Platforms designed for small-scale farmers or health information in native languages could make mobile internet more appealing.

Fear of scams, fraud, or harmful content deters 3–4 per cent of both urban and rural users from fully embracing mobile internet. Women, in particular, face vulnerabilities such as online harassment or misuse of personal information. Building trust through secure platforms, robust data protection policies, and public awareness campaigns could address these fears.

Inconsistent network coverage affects 3 per cent of urban respondents, while shared phone access hinders connectivity for another 3 per cent in cities and 1 per cent in rural areas. Continued investment in network infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term growth.

Despite these barriers, Kenyans demonstrate a strong appetite for mobile internet where it is accessible. Messaging apps dominate usage at 94 per cent, followed by social media at 93 per cent.

Video streaming attracts 90 per cent of users, while voice and video calls see 83 per cent and 76 per cent engagement, respectively. These trends highlight how mobile internet drives social interaction and connectivity across the country.

Mobile devices are also indispensable tools for education and entrepreneurship. About 61 per cent of respondents use their phones to support learning or search for information, while 43 per cent leverage social media for business purposes.

Growing reliance on digital platforms underscores the role of mobile internet in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to knowledge in Kenya.