Recent data from the Communications Authority (CA) has revealed that Meta-owned Facebook has surpassed WhatsApp as the most popular social media platform in Kenya.

The audience measurement and industry trends report indicated that Facebook’s popularity increased from 47.5 percent to 49.4 percent between Q2 and Q3 of 2023/2024.

WhatsApp’s popularity declined from 47.3 percent to 47.0 percent during the same period, resulting in a 0.3 percent decrease in the app’s usage in Kenya.

“Facebook and WhatsApp stand out as the top social media platforms in Kenya. The prevalence of Facebook and WhatsApp in social media mentions highlights their extensive adoption and influential presence in the Kenyan digital landscape,” the report read.

YouTube and TikTok closely followed in popularity, with Instagram, Twitter, and Google ranked the fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively.

The decrease in WhatsApp usage happened because Meta, the Company that owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, increased efforts to block apps like Yo WhatsApp and GB WhatsApp.

Those apps, Yo WhatsApp and GB WhatsApp, were allowing users to do things that WhatsApp didn’t officially allow, such as viewing messages that were already deleted.

WhatsApp blocked those apps, and some users who had them installed got blocked from using WhatsApp.

During the period, internet access on smartphones in Kenya increased significantly from 73.3 percent to 87.2 percent between Q2 and Q3.

Additionally, some users accessed internet through laptops, smart TVs, and tablets, with laptops being the most popular choice at 5.4 percent.

“The most mode of internet access is primarily through smartphones, underscoring the pivotal role these devices play in facilitating connectivity and information access for a wide range of users.”

“As mobile technology continues to advance, ensuring equitable access to smartphones becomes crucial for fostering digital inclusion and bridging gaps in connectivity across various demographics,” the report read.