Kenya's mobile phone market has continued its upward trajectory, with active subscriptions rising to 71.4 million by December 2024, a 2 per cent increase from October’s 70 million.

This growth reflects the sustained demand for telecommunication services, according to the latest quarterly report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), released on Tuesday.

The regulator linked the surge in mobile users to heightened activity during the festive season.

“This growth is mainly attributed to the busy festive season during the same period,” the report noted.

Beyond voice subscriptions, mobile money services also recorded significant expansion, reaching 42.3 million users by the end of 2024.

Read More

  1. OPPO Reno13 series redefines mobile gaming with advanced upgrades
  2. CA orders TikTok to remove sexual content with minors after BBC exposé
  3. CA steps in as Kenya Power and Nairobi County feud triggers city digital blackout

The widespread adoption of online services—including streaming, e-learning, and remote work—has further driven demand for high-speed internet.

In response, mobile data subscriptions rose to 56.1 million, with increasing reliance on advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G.

Meanwhile, smartphone adoption has deepened, with penetration hitting 80.5 per cent.

The expansion of mobile broadband coverage, now reaching 97 per cent of the population, has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, the report added.

As connectivity continues to shape Kenya’s digital economy, the rise in mobile subscriptions signals an ongoing shift towards technology-driven communication and financial transactions.