How do they use their phones?
Women use their phones to stay connected, manage financial transactions, consume entertainment, express themselves, and access information for everyday needs. Patterns of use are shaped by relevance, familiarity, and the constraints of their social and material contexts.
Mobile Ownership (DHS-8 2022)
59%Smartphone Ownership
0%Uses Mobile for Financial Transactions
66%
Reach and Connection
Uses phone calls to stay in touch with close family members and customers for livelihood-related purposes. Messaging may not be operated directly; text messages may be sent and read with help from others.
Entertainment and Stress Relief
Relies on radio for entertainment, religious sermons, and health-related information.
Learning and Growth
Learning opportunities are limited. Use is not typically oriented toward intentional information-seeking.
Transactions and Financial Security
Primarily receives money via M-Pesa and often relies on others for assistance with transactions.
Self Promotion and Expression
Use does not typically extend to self-promotion or personal expression.
Tracking
Does not typically engage in financial or health tracking on digital devices.
How do they get access to their phones?
Access to phones is often mediated through family and social networks, with devices acquired, shared, or supported through these relationships. Patterns of ownership, control, and continuity vary across geographies and reflect broader gendered and economic conditions.
Is in the Top 40% by Household Wealth Nationally
1%Partner Works in a Professional or Managerial Role
5%Has Year Long Employment or Livelihood Activity
23%
Access to Device and Consumables
Likely had very limited exposure to phones early in life, with little or no access during childhood.
May receive or purchase a phone out of necessity to stay in touch for personal or livelihood-related reasons.
How do they learn how to use their phones?
Women build digital capability over time through a combination of early exposure, literacy, and support from others. Facilitators, such as family members, peers, or intermediaries often play a role in shaping how skills are developed and how confidence is built.
Can Read Full Sentences
59%Cannot Read at All
26%Has Secondary and Above Education
11%
Base Capabilities
Lack of early exposure combined with limited formal education may render some parts of phone functionality inaccessible.
Learning Style
Learns through repeated demonstrations and may rely on pattern recognition (e.g., understanding recurring M-Pesa message formats).
Learning Needs
May require support with basic phone functionality, including making and receiving calls or using the radio.
Facilitators
Partners, when available, may support basic device use, though assistance may remain intermittent.
What are the challenges they navigate?
Women navigate interruptions in access, limitations in resources, and a range of digital risks. Their use of phones is shaped by social expectations and relationship dynamics, which influence when, how, and how freely they are able to stay connected.
Has Internalised Domestic Violence
63%Participates in Household Decision Making
60%Household has Electricity
10%
Disruptions caused by Financial Shocks, Damage, Degradation and Loss
Use of simpler feature phones for basic functions may reduce exposure to certain types of discontinuity. SIM cards can also be transferred into borrowed devices if needed, for basic use cases. Access to backup or shared devices may be hard.
Managing Recurring Costs (data, airtime etc.)
Data use is likely to be absent. Airtime is typically more important than data and may represent a recurring cost, though interruptions may be less frequent due to basic use patterns.
Charging Cycles
Charging may take place outside the home, such as at a neighbour’s house or a charging centre when accessible. As usage is basic, batteries may last longer, reducing disruption.
Perception of Risk
Primarily concerned with fraud calls or M-Pesa scams and may have encountered such risks directly. Does not encounter digital risks associated with data-led use.
Response to Digital Risk
MPesa usage may expose her to financial risk, which she is often not equipped to handle. May not take active protective steps beyond basic caution.