The Digital Divide: Who is Being Left Behind in Kenya?

Information and Communication Technology Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya (right) explains the concept of government digital services during the launch of e-Citizen Services, GavaMkononi App and Gava Express in the push for the digitisation of government services at KICC on June 30, 2023. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Growing up in a small village in rural Kenya, I lived in a world far removed from modern technology. Our open landscapes seemed to go on forever, and at night, the sky was a dazzling canvas of stars, unspoiled by the glow of city lights.

It was a life deeply connected to nature, but completely disconnected from the digital age that was starting to transform other parts of the world. Our days danced to a different rhythm: roosters crowing and cattle lowering at dawn, maize fields rustling in the afternoon breeze, and the soft glow of kerosene lamps that gathered us close each evening.

Technology, for us, was the temperamental radio that crackled to life occasionally, bringing whispers of a world beyond our village, a world that seemed as distant as the tales in our grandparents' stories. 

To my surprise, my first real encounter with digital technology came during my final year of medical school. Eager to catch up, I enrolled in a 2-month evening typing course at a local secretarial college. I found myself in an unexpected situation as I was the only man in a class of more than 40 women studying to be typists.  

The true shock came when I landed in the United States of America for further studies, a shiny Macintosh computer was thrust into my hands and there I was, a doctor-in-training, fumbling with basic computer operations. How now?

Looking back, I'm struck by the irony. The typing class I had once scoffed at in high school had become my saving grace and a gateway to a whole new world. It is a lesson I carry with me always: in our rapidly evolving digital landscape, even the most basic computer skills can be the difference between thriving and being left behind. 

Kenya, like many developing nations, faces a complex digital divide that spans across generations, geographic locations, genders, and economic classes. This technological gap is reshaping social dynamics and economic opportunities in the country, creating both challenges and potential for growth.

In Kenyan households, a generational divide is becoming increasingly apparent. Young people, often more tech-savvy than their parents, find themselves in the unusual position of being the family's digital experts. 

The Communications Authority of Kenya reported in 2023 that while over 90% of Kenyans aged 18-34 use the internet regularly, this drops to less than 40% for those over 55. This gap underscores the challenges older generations face in adapting to digital technologies. 

This role reversal can lead to both empowerment and tension. Children and teenagers are frequently called upon to help their parents navigate smartphones, social media, and online services. While this can foster inter-generational learning, it also challenges traditional family hierarchies and can sometimes leave older adults feeling left behind in a rapidly changing digital world.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics 2022 Economic Survey, internet penetration in Kenya reached 43.7% in 2021, showing significant growth but also highlighting the continued digital divide. Urban areas have seen faster adoption, with Nairobi County reporting over 80% internet penetration, while some rural counties still lag below 20%.

This connectivity has transformed how urban dwellers work, socialize, and access information. In contrast, many rural areas struggle with limited or non-existent internet infrastructure.

The gender imbalance in tech careers presents another facet of Kenya's digital divide. Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in technology-related fields. A 2022 study by the Association of Countering Technology in Kenya found that women make up only 23% of the tech workforce in the country.

This imbalance is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where women hold less than 15% of executive roles in tech companies.

This gap begins early, with fewer girls pursuing STEM subjects in school, and continues into the workplace. Male-dominated tech environments can be unwelcoming to women, perpetuating the cycle. However, initiatives aimed at encouraging girls and women to enter tech careers are gaining traction, offering hope for a more balanced future.

Perhaps the most pervasive aspect of Kenya's digital divide is the gap between rich and poor. Affluent Kenyans have access to the latest devices, high-speed internet, and digital education resources.

The World Bank's 2023 Kenya Economic Update noted that while 97% of households in the highest income households have access to the internet, this figure drops to just 17% for the lowest income households.

This disparity is further reflected in device ownership, with smartphone penetration reaching 84% among high-income households compared to only 33% in low-income households.

The cost of devices and data plans can be prohibitively expensive for many Kenyans, effectively excluding them from the digital world. This economic divide risks exacerbating existing inequalities, as digital skills become increasingly crucial for economic advancement.

Addressing Kenya's multifaceted digital divide requires a comprehensive approach. Government initiatives to expand rural internet infrastructure are crucial, as are programs to provide affordable devices and data plans to low-income communities.

Educational reforms that emphasize digital literacy from an early age like the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a significant step and will prepare young Kenyans for the digital future.

Addressing the issue of older Kenyans being left behind in the digital age is a great business opportunity for universities and the private sector to develop digital literacy learning programs. County governments can also invest and provide free or affordable WiFi and establish digital learning centres.

Efforts to encourage women in tech through training, mentorships and targeted recruitment, can help balance gender representation in the field. As Kenya continues to develop and integrate into the global digital economy, closing these divides will be essential for ensuring equitable growth and opportunity for all its citizens.

To truly address the digital divide, Kenya must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Beyond expanding rural internet infrastructure and providing affordable devices, fostering a culture of digital inclusivity is needed. This means not only teaching technical skills but also promoting digital citizenship and online safety awareness across all demographics.

The private sector has a crucial role to play in this transformation. Tech companies can partner with educational institutions to develop curricula that align with industry needs, ensuring that students graduate with relevant, up-to-date digital skills. Furthermore, they can invest in digital literacy programs as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives targeting underserved communities.

Government policies should incentivize digital adoption and innovation. This could include tax breaks for companies that invest in digital training for employees, subsidies for rural internet providers, and grants for tech startups that focus on solving local challenges through digital solutions.

As someone who has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of digital literacy, I believe that bridging this divide is not just possible—it's imperative. From the star-filled nights of my rural childhood to the gleaming screens of today's digital landscape, the journey has indeed been profound.

Now, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of age, gender, location, or economic status, can navigate and thrive in our increasingly digital world.

By addressing the digital divide comprehensively and creatively, we can unlock the full potential of our nation, driving innovation, economic growth, and social progress. The future of Kenya is digital—and it must be a future that includes everyone. 

Dr Osewe is the director of Regenesys Africa. [e-mail]