•From the report, the prevalent mode of internet access is primarily through smartphones.
•The report further shows that more than half of the respondents are internet users.
Image: FILE
A new report has emerged showing Facebook and WhatsApp as the leading social media platforms used by Kenyans.
According to the Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report by Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the two platforms have the highest mentions reaching 45 per cent.
The survey was conducted in two quarters.
The first quarter had WhatsApp having high mentions with 45.9 per cent while Facebook was at 45.2 per cent.
In the second quarter, Facebook had 47.5 mentions while WhatsApp had 47.3 per cent.
"The prevalence of Facebook and WhatsApp in social media mentions highlights their extensive adoption and influential presence in the Kenyan digital landscape," the report reads in part.
Following closely in popularity are YouTube and TikTok at third and fourth positions respectively.
Instagram follows with 11.8 per cent mentions in the second quarter, Twitter 7.9 per cent, Google 6.9 per cent, Opera mini 3.4 per cent and Chrome 2.8 per cent.
Telegram which is a cross-platform messaging service with enhanced encryption and privacy came in 10th position with 2 per cent mentions in both quarters.
Email came after Telegram followed by Snapchat and LinkedIn.
From the report, the prevalent mode of internet access is primarily through smartphones, underscoring the pivotal role these devices play in facilitating connectivity and information access for a wide range of users.
Smartphones had 73.3 per cent mentions in the first quarter and 86.6 in the second.
"As mobile technology continues to advance, ensuring equitable access to smartphones becomes crucial for fostering digital inclusion and bridging gaps in connectivity across various demographics," the report says.
Laptops come second with 4.1 per cent in the first quarter and 5.4 per cent in the second.
The report shows other devices like smart TVs came in third followed by Tablet/iPads and desktops respectively.
The report further shows that more than half of the respondents are Internet users with male users more male than female.
Male internet users stood at 66 per cent in the second quarter while the females are 50 per cent.
In addition, the incidence of internet usage is higher amongst the younger folks aged below 34 years with the age group between 18 to 24 being at 72 per cent in both quarters.
Consequently, the report says the increased prevalence of internet access in Kenyan urban areas can be attributed to well-established infrastructure.
"Urban locals tend to possess greater economic resources, fostering increased penetration of digital devices and technology adoption in comparison to rural regions. The higher the LSM, the higher the internet usage," the report says.
According to the report, Nairobi takes the lead in accessibility with 83 per cent in the second quarter.
It is then followed by North Eastern at 70 per cent while South Nyanza records the lowest internet availability with 41 per cent.