Kenya's telecommunications sector witnessed a significant shift in consumer demand in 2025, with non-traditional offerings dominating market revenues. According to the Fourth Quarter Sector Statistics Report for FY 2025/2026 released by the Communication Authority of Kenya, the "Other Services" category secured the largest market share at 42.8%. This category includes services beyond traditional voice, SMS, and data.
Data services, encompassing both mobile and fixed connections, followed as the second-highest revenue generator at 28.2%. This indicates a growing demand for internet-based services in the country. The increasing adoption of smartphones and mobile devices has contributed to this trend. As a result, telecom operators are focusing on expanding their data services to meet the growing demand.
Voice revenues accounted for 25.6% of the total revenue share, while SMS revenue recorded a modest 3.4%. The figures highlight a continuing shift in consumer demand from legacy voice and text services toward broader digital offerings. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with telecom operators adapting to the changing consumer behavior.
The shift towards non-traditional services is driven by the increasing adoption of digital technologies in Kenya. The country's digital economy is growing rapidly, with more people accessing the internet and using digital services. The government has also implemented initiatives to promote the growth of the digital economy, including the development of digital infrastructure and the promotion of e-commerce.
The Communication Authority of Kenya's report provides insights into the performance of the telecom sector in 2025. The report highlights the trends and patterns in the sector, including the shift towards non-traditional services. The authority regulates the telecom sector and ensures that operators comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
The telecom sector is a significant contributor to Kenya's economy, and the shift towards non-traditional services is expected to have a positive impact on the sector's growth. The sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for digital services. Telecom operators will need to adapt to the changing consumer behavior and invest in new technologies to remain competitive.
The growth of the telecom sector is also expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy. The sector is a significant source of revenue for the government, and the growth of non-traditional services is expected to increase the government's revenue. The sector is also expected to create new job opportunities, particularly in the areas of digital services and technology.
Key points
- Non-traditional services dominated Kenya's telecom sector revenues in 2025, accounting for 42.8% of the market share.
