Smartphone usage surges in Kenya as connected devices reach 52.3 Million

The figure was announced by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on Friday, October 2, 2026, which said smartphones are increasingly being used beyond communication to support financial transactions, business, education and access to essential services.

“52.3 million smartphones connected to mobile networks in Kenya by the end of June 2026,” CA stated.

"From sending money and accessing market updates to learning, doing business and accessing essential services, mobile phones are transforming how Kenyans connect, work and create opportunities,” the Authority said.

The latest figure represents continued growth in smartphone adoption as Kenyans shift from basic mobile phones to internet-enabled devices.

According to the CA’s third-quarter sector statistics report for the 2025/2026 financial year, 78.7 million mobile phone devices were connected to Kenyan networks during the period, with smartphones accounting for 63.7 per cent of the devices.

The Authority has attributed the broader growth in the telecommunications sector to increased smartphone adoption and investment in high-speed mobile network infrastructure.

Mobile data consumption has also continued to rise. During the same period, mobile broadband usage reached 800 million gigabytes, representing a 6 per cent increase from the previous quarter. Average mobile broadband consumption rose from 14.6GB to 15.1GB per subscription.

Users on 5G networks recorded the highest average consumption at 53.5GB per subscription, reflecting the increasing demand for faster connectivity and data-intensive services.

The growth in smartphones is also taking place alongside increased use of mobile money. CA reported that active mobile money subscriptions rose to 53.4 million during the quarter, translating to a penetration rate of 100.1 per cent.

The expansion of smartphone use means more Kenyans can access online banking, mobile money, e-commerce, government services, news, social media, education and other digital platforms directly from their phones.

However, the increasing dependence on mobile technology also places greater emphasis on network quality, affordability, digital safety and consumer protection.

The CA says it is responsible for regulating telecommunications services, protecting consumers and promoting universal access to communication services across the country.

The Authority’s quarterly statistics are compiled from data submitted by communications service providers and are used to track trends in Kenya’s ICT sector.