5G Data Usage Outpaces Subscriber Numbers in Kenya

Recent data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) reveals a significant trend: despite representing only 3.27% of mobile users, 5G connections generate a disproportionately high volume of internet traffic.

Key Findings

• As of June 2026, 5G accounts for 2.1 million subscriptions out of 64.26 million total data connections
• This small user base consumed 135.38 million GB of data in Q2 2026—a 208% year-on-year increase from 43.86 million GB in Q2 2025
• Average monthly consumption per 5G subscriber: 64.4 GB, compared to 15.8 GB on 4G and 8.3 GB on 3G
• This means each 5G user consumes over 4 times more data than the average 4G user

Factors Driving High Data Usage

The phenomenon is attributed to:

• High-bandwidth applications: Users leverage 5G for streaming high-resolution video (4K/8K), cloud gaming, and large file transfers
• Device capabilities: Flagship smartphones, routers, and fixed wireless access devices equipped with 5G support higher data rates
• Network efficiency: The faster speeds of 5G allow apps to pull more data without throttling, resulting in greater consumption
• Enterprise adoption: Businesses are increasingly using 5G for data-intensive operations, cloud services, and digital payments

Implications Across Africa

While 5G deployment varies across the continent, this trend highlights its potential. Even with limited coverage and higher device costs, users who have access to 5G consume significantly more data than those on older networks.

In Nigeria, where 5G adoption is also expanding, data consumption reached 1.67 million terabytes in July 2026—the highest yet recorded—as operators like MTN and Airtel invest heavily in network infrastructure.