Kenya is on the brink of a digital revolution, with growing connectivity and digital literacy, a new report shows.
The report, 'Digital Opportunity of Kenya' by Google says this is positioning the country to leverage emerging technologies.
According to the report, the adoption of mobile broadband, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to be key drivers in enhancing economic growth, improving standards of living, and reducing poverty.
The report projects that by 2030, internet adoption in Kenya could reach 70 per cent of the population, marking a significant step forward in digital inclusivity.
This is because the excitement surrounding technology’s potential to transform Kenya is evident.
According to the survey, three-quarters of online adults are optimistic about the impact of technology over the next decade.
Nearly 95 per cent of online adults believe that technology plays a critical role in accelerating the nation’s economic growth.
There is also strong support for investing in digital skills and infrastructure, with 72 per cent of Kenyans strongly advocating for greater government investment to support new technologies.
Kenya, often referred to as the "Silicon Savannah," is already a leader in technological innovation, the report says.
It notes that in 2022, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributed seven per cent to the country’s GDP, and this figure is expected to grow to 9.24 per cent by 2025.
According to the report, the country’s iconic mobile payment system, M-PESA, has not only revolutionised Kenya’s financial sector but also contributed an estimated two per cent to the GDP.
"However, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, Africa will need continued investment in supporting infrastructure and boosting digital skills and literacy," the report says.
"The country still struggles with issues including high levels of poverty, gender inequality and significant geographical gaps in connectivity and energy infrastructure," it adds.
The report says the economic impact of digital technology is profound, with research suggesting that every dollar invested in Kenya’s tech sector generates an impressive five-dollar return for the wider economy.
The importance of fast and reliable internet is underscored by the fact that nearly 80 per cent of online businesses in Kenya consider it essential for daily operations, while 71 per cent of businesses recognise high-speed connectivity as a key growth opportunity.
Furthermore, 80 per cent of online adults express a strong desire for faster internet speeds, emphasising the need for improved digital infrastructure.
To achieve these goals, substantial investment in infrastructure, particularly in submarine fiber optic cables, is crucial.
Google’s Africa Connect initiative aims to enhance internet speed and reliability across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya.
A significant development in this effort is the Umoja Subsea Cable, the first-ever fiber optic cable to directly connect Africa with Australia.
This cable, along with the Equiano cable connecting Sub-Saharan Africa to Portugal, will provide Kenya and other East and Southern African countries with more reliable and faster connectivity.
These cables are essential for ensuring resilient networks in a region that has faced frequent internet outages.
President William Ruto hailed this investment as a historic milestone for Kenya, Africa, and Australia.
He emphasised the positive impact the new intercontinental fiber optic route would have on global and regional digital infrastructure.
Welcoming the announcement, Kenya’s president William Ruto said:
"I am delighted to welcome Google’s investment in digital connectivity, marking a historic milestone for Kenya, Africa, and Australia. The new intercontinental fiber optic route will significantly enhance our global and regional digital infrastructure."
Once these enhanced connections are in place, the next challenge will be ensuring that all Kenyans have affordable access to the internet.
The report notes that while smartphone prices are decreasing, they remain out of reach for many, often costing more than 60 per cent of the monthly income of many Africans.
To address this, Android partnered with Safaricom through the "Lipa Mdogo Mdogo" initiative, which allows customers to pay for smartphones in small, manageable increments.
This initiative has helped bring 1.8 million additional Kenyans online, expanding access to the vast opportunities available in the digital world.
Continued investment in connectivity, innovation, and digital inclusion will unlock the full potential of technology, empowering citizens and driving sustainable economic growth.
With global partnerships and bold initiatives, Kenya is assured of becoming a leader in the digital age, unlocking transformative opportunities for its people and the wider region.
