The Communication Authority of Kenya’s report for April to June 2024 shows that Facebook and WhatsApp are the most popular social media platforms in Kenya. TikTok and YouTube follow in third and fourth place.
Facebook and WhatsApp’s frequent mentions show their widespread use and strong influence in Kenya’s digital scene. Here is the full ranking list:
- Facebook: 52.0%
- WhatsApp: 48.5%
- TikTok: 28.1%
- YouTube: 23.3%
- X (formerly Twitter): 12.8%
- Instagram: 11.5%
- Google: 8.2%
- Opera Mini: 2.8%
- Chrome: 1.4%
- Telegram: 1.3%
- LinkedIn: 0.4%
- Email: 0.4%
- Snapchat: 0.1%
The report further revealed that a vast majority of internet users fall under the age brackets below 34 years. The report covering the fourth quarter to July shows:
- Internet use among those aged 15-17 years increased to 66% from 61% in the third quarter.
- For those aged 18-24 years, internet use increased from 77% to 78%.
- Among the 25-34 years age group, internet use rose slightly from 67% to 68%.
”Over half of the respondents are internet users, with a higher proportion of males compared to females. Additionally, internet usage is more prevalent among individuals under 34 years old,” the report read in part.
The report shows that internet use among Kenyans aged 35-44 increased to 51% from 47%. The lowest internet use was among those over 45, with 33% using the internet in the fourth quarter.
Men are the biggest internet users in Kenya, making up 68%, while women account for 49%. Internet use is higher in urban areas, with 78% of people online, compared to 49% in rural areas.
“The increased prevalence of internet access in Kenyan urban areas can be attributed to well-established infrastructure, featuring a comprehensive network of high-speed broadband and cellular connectivity. Additionally, urban areas have better socioeconomic resources, fostering greater penetration of digital devices and technology adoption compared to rural regions,” CA briefed.
Nairobi has the highest internet accessibility at 80%, followed by North Eastern at 74%. Lower Eastern has the lowest at 44%.
The report also shows that most Kenyans use smartphones to access the internet, with 98.6% using them in the fourth quarter, up from 87.2% in the third quarter.
“The primary mode of internet access is through smartphones, highlighting their crucial role in connecting users and providing access to information. As mobile technology advances, ensuring equitable access to smartphones is essential for promoting digital inclusion and bridging connectivity gaps across different demographics,” the report states.
Following smartphones, the devices used to access the internet include laptops at 4.2%, smart televisions at 1.1%, tablets at 0.3%, and desktops at 0.4%.