Kenyans ‘most active mobile Internet users’

An Internet user a tablet. A study by the US-based Pew Research Centre shows that Kenya leads in online political discussions, ahead of Nigeria and South Africa. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Among the preferred mobile handsets in use are iPhone, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, and other low-priced Android-enabled phones
  • In the recent past, election campaigns for various associations have been conducted online as aspirants run real-time websites to interact with voters

More than any other people studied, tech-savvy Kenyans use their phones to “talk” politics, and don’t bother to hide their political leanings in posts made on five popular sites.

The US-based Pew Research Centre said 68 per cent of Kenyans discussed politics online, while 62 per cent of the country’s users remained online round the clock.

This is unlike religiously inclined Nigeria and Egypt whose net users spend most of their time discussing religious matters at 69 and 64 per cent respectively, compared to Kenya’s 60 per cent.

The survey, which cuts across various age groups, also found that seven of 10 Kenyans lead in accessing music and movies, which they share and download.

“Eight of 10 Kenyans use social networking sites to keep in touch with family and friends; their most preferred sites are Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Google+ and Instagram,” the report says.

Among the preferred mobile handsets in use are iPhone, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, and other low-priced Android-enabled phones.

Facebook and Twitter lead in number of users posting real-time goings on within their circles, with a recently introduced Twitter handle seeking to advise “anti-Alcoblow” fans on which routes to avoid.

The Tellwherethealcoblowis Facebook page has 603 followers while Twitter handles, including #Alcoblowbypassdriver (754) and #Alcoblowwatch (8,501) where members seek ways of avoiding the traffic police Alcoblow team on the same subject has attracted ardent followers.

ELECTION FRENZY

Interestingly, Kenyans’ online zeal is a short-term engagement that quickly fizzles out until elections, when political followers on social platforms become frenzied with every manner of political opinion.

While Kenyans’ individual income is lower than that of Egypt, South Africa or Nigeria, it is interesting to note that more of its people are online at any given time owing to favourable billings by mobile companies and the numerous free apps that make it cheaper to use the Internet, compared with making voice calls or texting.

Policies introduced by the government that now allow mobile network operators to install advanced technologies, such as the 4G spectrum, have greatly contributed to the use of online platforms.

“Our research shows that people who log in for the first time tend to become avid users of the web, with half of them using it daily to keep in touch with friends, conduct business or post political comments. But most users of the Internet use it to keep in touch with friends and relatives,” it says.

In the recent past, election campaigns for various associations have been conducted online as aspirants run real-time websites to interact with voters.

But many websites, despite their huge following, fizzle out once the campaigns end, indicating disinterest in online presence of individuals and firms as brands.

A peek into the Jubilee and Cord websites shows no ongoing activities despite the fervent need to keep party supporters abreast of goings-on.

Government, on its part, maintains information-only portals but rarely responds to questions from visitors to its sites.