According to a new study by an e-commerce company, Jumia, of the 3.1 million devices sold in Kenya this year, 1.8 million were smartphones, representing 58 per cent of the units sold.
The study also shows that most of the devices were bought by youths.
The rapid growth of use of smartphones by the youth is attributed to their advanced computing capabilities and connectivity than other basic feature phones.
“The smartphones are able to process data and information faster, they also give the user an opportunity to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and other tethering services,” Dr Charles Nyambuga, a communication specialist in Maseno University said.
Easy connectivity on smartphones is also one among the many factors contributing to their wide usage by the youths.
Steve Anyanga, a student at Maseno University said that he was able to remain connected on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp by use of his smartphone.
Smartphones also allow the youths (most being students) access educational apps; the educational apps are available in a wide range over the smartphones. These apps come inform of encyclopedias and eBooks which provide students with more information in relation to what they study.
Fred Achiya, a Computing student at the university said he has been able to do an online course (PHT 102) offered by the university.
According to Sofia Zab, head of marketing, Jumia Kenya, the increased usage of smartphones is due to their continuous and steady drop in prices making them affordable to the young people.
However, according to Safaricom’s General Manager Consumers Unit Mr Peter Arina, it is because of the low data charges provided by network providers since most of the smartphone services are data dependent.