NAIROBI: Kenya’s push towards a digital economy has been bolstered by the launch of the Kenya Digital Economy report, highlighting significant advancements in digital transformation and smartphone adoption. The report, a collaborative effort between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the GSMA, aims to guide stakeholders in making informed investments and policy reforms to enhance the country’s digital landscape.
According to Kenya News Agency, David Mugonyi, the CA Director General, emphasized Kenya’s recognition of digital opportunities, noting the potential for young people and developers to thrive in a digitally-driven economy. He underscored the necessity of responsive policy and legal frameworks to accommodate the growing ICT industry and foster innovation.
As of June 2024, Kenya boasted over 68.9 million mobile subscribers, translating to a penetration rate of 133.7 percent. Mobile money subscriptions stood at 39.8 million, with a penetration rate of 77.3 percent. The mobile sector also sa
w 66.1 million devices connected to networks, with smartphone and feature phone penetration rates at 68.3 and 59.9 percent, respectively.
Mugonyi highlighted the importance of these figures as a platform for innovation, stating that they enable the creation of value through new products and services, contributing to tangible prosperity. However, he acknowledged challenges such as device affordability and digital skills insufficiency, which hinder rapid digital development.
To address these challenges, the Communications Authority, in collaboration with Safaricom and Huawei Kenya, conducted a digital skilling exercise in Marsabit County, showcasing the local population’s enthusiasm for mobile network services. Over the past five years, the Universal Service Fund has connected approximately 800,000 people across 24 counties to mobile networks, enhancing communication opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Mugonyi also detailed strategic initiatives supporting the government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, incl
uding funding for 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable in underserved regions and the establishment of ICT hubs and centers of excellence throughout Kenya.
Angela Wamola, GSMA Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, pointed out the remarkable growth in Kenya’s mobile money sector, with annual transactions reaching sh8 trillion, highlighting its potential to unlock economic opportunities.
John Giusti, GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer, emphasized mobile connectivity’s critical role in achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, noting its transformative impact on society, industry, and government operations globally.
