Digital Divide in Kenya: Data Reveals Disparities

I had to dig through the report
<www.knbs.or.ke/reports/2023-24-kenya-housing-survey-basic-report/>,
and there is a methodology: “These indicators followed the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines, ensuring alignment with global
standards. The reference period for the data collected was three months,
and respondents included individuals from the age of three” pg 48.

“Response Rates: Out of the 25,900 households sampled for the survey,
23,166 were found to be eligible. A household is considered to be eligible
if it meets one of the following criteria: it is identified and
successfully interviewed; it is identified but refuses to respond; it is
identified but no competent respondent is available at home during visits;
or it is identified, the interview is started and then postponed. Among the
eligible households, 21,347 completed the questionnaire, resulting in a
national household response rate of 92.1 per cent. The response rate was
higher in rural areas at 94.0 percent compared to 89.9 percent in urban
areas.” pg 20

KEBS should have disaggregated the data on age groups so that it is better
to understand the disparities metrics on age. Children in Kenya’s “middle”
class own a phone. Some have a phone, a tablet, and a computer. Therefore
the methodology can collect data on age groups, rural-urban, and household
income levels.

Digging on ITU data:
“Globally, four out of five individuals 10 years or older own a mobile
phone. Universal ownership, meaning a penetration rate of over 95 percent,
has been reached in high-income economies. This stands in contrast with
low-income economies, where only 56 percent of the population aged 10 years
and over own a mobile phone.”
www.itu.int/itu-d/reports/statistics/2024/11/10/ff24-mobile-phone-ownership/

Best Regards,
______________________
Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya
www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

On Thu, 16 Jan 2025 at 14:39, Adam Lane via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:

> David
>
> Thank you for the great summary post.
>
>
>
> I note that the statistics from KNBS are for the percentage of the
> population aged 3 and above. Personally I believe that leads to distorted
> numbers. I don’t believe the population number denominator should be that
> high, since do we really want or expect 3 year olds or 6 years to be owning
> phones? Maybe a certain age of child could be using (but not owning) a
> device (Whether a phone or tablet or laptop). Therefore the percentages
> would actually be better than they look (if only looking at the population
> of Kenyas aged say 15 and above, not aged 3 and above, for example).
>
>
>
> This is certainly not a criticism of your post, but a criticism of KNBS
> really, and making sure all readers look at these percentages with that
> issue in mind.
>
>
>
> Regards
>
> Adam
>
>
>
> *From:* David Indeje via KICTANet <[email protected]>
> *Sent:* Thursday, 16 January 2025 10:14
> *To:* Adam Lane <[email protected]>
> *Cc:* David Indeje <[email protected]>
> *Subject:* [kictanet] Digital Divide in Kenya: Data Reveals Disparities
>
>
>
> Dear Listers,
>
>
>
> This week, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has published various
> documents that reveal that we have a long way to go to ensure equitable
> access and usage to ICT as a country. Below are key findings from the
> 2023/24 Kenya Housing Survey
>
>
>
> – *Uneven ICT Access:* Significant disparities exist in computer and
> internet access across Kenyan counties.
> – *Urban-Rural Divide:* Urban areas exhibit higher ICT usage than
> rural areas.
> – *Gender Gap:* Males generally have higher internet usage than
> females, particularly in rural areas.
> – *Regional Disparities:* Nairobi leads in ICT access, while counties
> like Mandera and Marsabit lag.
> – *Economic Impact:* Higher ICT access correlates with greater
> contributions to the Gross County Product (GCP).
>
>
>
> KICTANet believes that bridging the digital divide is crucial for
> inclusive economic growth in Kenya and investing in digital infrastructure
> and literacy programs in underserved regions is essential.
>
>
>
>
> www.kictanet.or.ke/digital-divide-in-kenya-ict-access-and-usage-data-reveals-disparities/
>
>
>
>
>
> —
>
> *Kind Regards,*
>
> *David Indeje*
>
> *@**K**ICT**A**Net* <www.kictanet.or.ke/>* Communications *
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