Men in Kenya Lead Women in Internet Use Across All Age Groups, KNBS Survey Shows

Men in Kenya outpace women in internet usage across all age groups, the 2023/24 Kenya Household Survey (KHS) by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has revealed.

Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that men consistently outpace women in internet usage across all age demographics, raising concerns about equitable access to digital opportunities. The disparity is most evident among young adults aged 25 to 34, a cohort typically at the peak of their economic and social productivity. Here, approximately 64 per cent of men report using the internet, compared to just 54.5 per cent of women. 

This divide raises critical questions about the potential impact on women's access to education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities in an increasingly digital economy. A similar trend, although less pronounced, is observed in younger age groups, highlighting the early emergence of gender-based inequalities in digital access.

The KNBS data also underscores a sharp decline in internet usage among older populations. Only a fraction of individuals aged 55 and above report being online, a trend that raises concerns about social isolation and exclusion in an increasingly interconnected world. Access rates plummet to single digits among those aged 75 and older, suggesting a significant disconnect between the elderly and the digital sphere.

Mobile phone ownership, a key indicator of digital access, also reflects existing social divides. Individuals in monogamous marriages demonstrate the highest levels of ownership, with men leading the way. Conversely, unmarried individuals, particularly women, are the least likely to own a mobile device, further exacerbating their digital disadvantage.