Even as digital platforms continue to reshape how Kenyans consume news, some counties still show a strong attachment to traditional newspapers.
New data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) highlights regions where print media remains more popular than in the rest of the country. According to the latest Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, Siaya and Kisumu counties in the Lake Victoria region recorded the highest newspaper readership in Kenya at 22 per cent.
The same readership rate was also recorded in the Lower Eastern region, which includes counties such as Kitui and Machakos. The findings place these areas ahead of the rest of the country in print newspaper consumption. The report suggests that residents in these counties continue to rely on newspapers as a key source of information, particularly for political news, business updates and community affairs.
In many towns and trading centres, newspapers remain easily accessible and are often shared in offices, shops and public spaces. Despite these pockets of strong readership, the report shows that newspaper consumption remains generally low across the country. Other regions recorded significantly lower figures, reflecting a national shift away from print media.
> Standard Group Suspends Rights Issue Amid Financing Concerns
This decline has largely been driven by the rapid growth of internet access and social media use. Many Kenyans now turn to digital platforms for news due to convenience, speed and lower costs. The report notes that social media platforms play a major role in how people access information.
“Facebook and WhatsApp are the most popular social media platforms in Kenya, followed by TikTok and YouTube in third and fourth place,” the report says, underscoring the growing influence of digital platforms on news consumption.
As a result, traditional newspaper publishers have been forced to adapt by expanding into digital products such as e-papers and online news platforms. This shift has further reduced demand for physical newspapers in many parts of the country.
While newspaper readership struggles, the report shows that broadcast media remain dominant. Radio and television continue to be the most widely used media platforms nationwide.
“Television viewership peaked in Nairobi at 81% and Upper Eastern at 80%, with strong performance also recorded in Central at 78% and the Lake region at 79 per cent, driven by better infrastructure and access,” the report says.
The findings highlight clear regional differences in how Kenyans consume news. While digital and broadcast platforms dominate nationally, counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Kitui and Machakos continue to stand out for their relatively higher newspaper readership.
The report shows that although print media is no longer the leading source of news in Kenya, it still holds relevance in specific regions. For publishers and advertisers, these countries remain important markets as the media landscape continues to evolve.
> Treasury Cuts PAYE Tax. What It Really Means For Every Kenyan
Leave a comment