By Perez karisa, June 23, 2026
Mobile money subscriptions in Kenya rose to 53.4 million during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, reflecting the continued growth of digital financial services across the country.
According to the latest sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the number of active mobile money accounts increased by 3.9 percent between January and March 2026, up from 51.4 million recorded in the previous quarter.
The growth has been largely driven by the rapid expansion of mobile money agent networks, increased smartphone penetration and continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure by service providers.
Data from the regulator shows that the number of registered mobile money agents surged by 20.2 percent during the period, rising from 501,399 to 602,470. The expansion has enhanced access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where mobile money agents continue to play a critical role in facilitating transactions.
The report further indicates that smartphone adoption continues to accelerate, with smartphones accounting for 63.7 percent of all devices connected to local networks. The shift from feature phones to internet-enabled devices has strengthened access to digital banking, e-commerce platforms and mobile-based financial services.
The Communications Authority attributed the growth to sustained investments in high-speed mobile internet infrastructure and aggressive customer acquisition and retention campaigns by telecommunications operators.
Overall mobile penetration rose to 147.6 percent during the quarter, highlighting the increasing dependence on mobile communication and digital services among Kenyans.
The report also shows that total active mobile subscriptions increased by 7.4 percent to reach 84.1 million lines, reflecting continued expansion within the telecommunications sector.
Voice communication remained a key service, with domestic calls totaling 32.3 billion minutes during the quarter. Of these, on-net calls accounted for 27.1 billion minutes, indicating that most users preferred making calls within the same network.
Prepaid subscriptions continued to dominate the market, representing 96.5 percent of all active mobile lines. The regulator noted that the flexibility and affordability associated with prepaid services have made them the preferred option for the majority of consumers.
The latest figures underscore Kenya’s growing digital economy and the increasing role of mobile technology in driving financial inclusion, commerce and communication.
Industry analysts say continued expansion of internet infrastructure, rising smartphone ownership and innovations in digital payment systems are expected to further boost mobile money adoption and strengthen Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
