Smartphones Dominate Internet Access in Kenya, CA Report Confirms

Smartphones have cemented their place as Kenya’s most critical digital tool, according to the latest audience measurement report by the Communications Authority (CA) covering January to March 2025. The Q3 2024/2025 report reveals that most internet users in the country access the web via smartphones, a trend that continues to fuel the country’s digital evolution.

According to the report, the majority of internet users rely on smartphones to access online platforms, highlighting the device’s importance in connecting people to information, entertainment, and social networks. The report notes that 56% of Kenyans are regular internet users, with smartphones being the dominant device for digital access, particularly among younger demographics aged 15–34 years. This trend is especially pronounced in urban areas like Nairobi and North Eastern, where robust digital infrastructure supports widespread smartphone usage. The reliance on smartphones reflects their affordability and versatility, making them essential tools for digital inclusion across diverse socioeconomic groups.

In contrast, rural areas—despite showing increasing digital interest—still lag behind in smartphone penetration due to infrastructural and affordability challenges. The report also links higher internet usage with higher Living Standards Measure (LSM) groups, suggesting that income and access to devices are directly proportional to digital engagement. In contrast, lower LSMs tend to rely more on traditional media like radio.

The report also exposes a digital divide. While urban areas benefit from well-established broadband networks and cellular coverage, rural regions like South Nyanza and Western Kenya lag in internet accessibility, with only 46% and 48% of residents reporting internet use, respectively. This disparity underscores the need for targeted investments in rural infrastructure to ensure equitable access. The report suggests that as mobile technology advances, ensuring universal smartphone access could significantly narrow connectivity gaps, particularly for lower Living Standards Measure (LSM) groups.

The dominance of smartphones also presents opportunities for content creators and broadcasters. With platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube ranking among the most popular, media companies can leverage mobile-first formats such as short videos and live polls to engage audiences, especially Gen Z and millennials. The report emphasizes that mobile accessibility is reshaping media consumption, with 28.1% of Kenyans using a combination of radio, TV, and online platforms, often accessed via smartphones. For digital marketers, content creators, and telecom providers, the findings confirm what many have long suspected: if you want to reach Kenyans online, do it via mobile.

As the CA report puts it, smartphones are no longer just phones. They are Kenya’s new televisions, radios, and newspapers—all rolled into one compact device that fits in a pocket.