CA Report: Nairobi (77%) and North Eastern (80%) Lead in Internet Accessibility, Western and South Nyanza came in last

A sharp digital divide remains in Kenya, with access to the internet significantly influenced by location and socioeconomic status, the Communications Authority’s latest report for Q3 2024/25 (January-March 2025) reveals.

Urban regions like Nairobi and, surprisinggly, North Eastern Kenya, continue to lead in internet access, boasting high penetration rates of up to 80%. Nairobi reported a strong 77% internet access rate, while South Nyanza and Western Kenya came in last, with only 46% and 48% of respondents respectively accessing the internet during the review period.

The report reveals that internet users are predominantly male (57%) and younger, with the 15–34 age group forming the core of online audiences. Those aged 25–34 years show the highest engagement at 30%, followed closely by the 18–24 age group at 27%. This youth-driven trend reflects the appeal of social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube, which dominate Kenya’s digital space. However, it also suggests that digital engagement is deeply youth-driven, leaving older Kenyans out of the digital transformation wave.

The disparities are even more striking when broken down by Living Standards Measure (LSM). Among LSM 12+ (the wealthiest Kenyans), 92% are regular internet users, while only 8% of those in LSM 1–4 (the lowest economic group) reported any internet use. These numbers make one thing clear: in Kenya, the internet is still a luxury for many.

The report also highlights the stability of internet usage patterns, with no significant changes over the past four quarters. This consistency suggests entrenched digital habits, particularly among urban youth, who are increasingly turning to online platforms for news, entertainment, and social interaction.

These findings present a clear challenge to the government and telecom companies: how do you close the digital gap without leaving rural and low-income populations behind? The answer, according to the CA, lies in improving infrastructure, reducing smartphone costs, and enhancing digital literacy nationwide.

While the growth in internet access is commendable, the report is a stark reminder that Kenya’s digital revolution still has a long road ahead—one that must be paved with inclusion at its core.