According to the latest statistics from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the number of active mobile (SIM) subscriptions in Kenya saw a modest growth of 0.5 percent in the first quarter of the year. The total number of subscriptions reached 66.1 million by the end of March, up from 65.7 million in the previous quarter.
This increase in mobile subscriptions contributed to a mobile penetration rate of 130.5 percent. However, there was a decline of 2.6 percentage points in the penetration rate, primarily due to the revised population count of the country. The Economic Survey of 2023 revised Kenya’s population to 50.6 million from the previous count of 49.4 million.
The data also revealed that prepaid subscribers accounted for a significant majority of the total subscriptions. Prepaid users rose by 98 percent, reaching 64.7 million. This indicates a preference for prepaid services among mobile users in Kenya.
The growth in mobile subscriptions reflects the ongoing reliance on mobile connectivity and communication services in the country. Mobile phones have become an essential tool for Kenyans, facilitating various activities such as communication, mobile banking, and access to digital services.
As Kenya continues to witness advancements in mobile technology and the expansion of network coverage, the number of mobile subscriptions is expected to rise further, catering to the evolving needs of the population and driving digital inclusion across the nation.
Overall, the steady growth in mobile subscriptions highlights the importance of the mobile sector in Kenya’s digital economy and emphasizes the role of telecommunications providers in delivering accessible and affordable mobile services to meet the demands of the population.
Image by nakaridore on Freepik
