The number of internet subscribers in Kenya increased to 40.9 million between April and June a growth rate of 5.1 percent according to the latest industry report from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) released Friday.
The Communication Authority attributed the rise to increased demand for access to information online during the pandemic period.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers continue to adopt video-conferencing services as they work from home, access online entertainment, and streaming video-on-demand services,” says the CA.
In the report, internet subscriptions increased to 40.9 million in the second quarter from 38.9 million. In addition, the number of mobile subscriptions stood at 57 million, an increase from 55.2 million subscriptions registered in the previous quarter.
In the period under review, the number of mobile subscriptions stood at 57 million, an increase from 55.2 million subscriptions registered in the previous quarter, noted the CA.
“Internet access has become a gateway to critical information, services and opportunities available to many people. The number of mobile Internet users will continue to grow due to an increased demand for access to information online as a result of the proliferation of digital service,” says the report.
Safaricom Regains Lead on Data
In the review period, Safaricom’s fixed data customers surged 25 percent to stand at 207,398, a 33.5 percent market share.
Wananchi Online, the provider of Zuku service recorded 15 percent increase to stand at 201,605, translating to 32.5 percent of the market.
In addition, 90 percent of the total 619,579 subscribers opted for fibre speeds of more than 2mbps connected to their homes and businesses, with 18 percent of opting for more than 20mbps.
Overall, consumers used up 132,397,651GB of mobile data between March and June, 19 percent higher than was consumed in the previous quarter.
