NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 21 – Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) hired 3,672 new employees in the year to June 30, 2026, with total employment rising to 11,660 from 7,988 a year earlier.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) fourth-quarter Sector Statistics Report shows that the number of people employed by MNOs increased by 46 percent during the period.

Men accounted for 56 per cent of the workforce, while women made up 44 per cent.

“As of 30th June 2026, the number of persons employed by MNOs stood at 11,660 up from 7,988 reported in the previous year with male to female ratio of 56:44,” the report states.

The increase in employment comes as mobile operators invest in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks and other digital services.

Safaricom more than doubled its 5G network coverage to 1,700 sites in the financial year 2025, up from 803 sites a year earlier, representing a 111.7 percent increase.

Airtel Kenya also launched its 5G network in July 2023, initially deploying 370 sites across 16 counties and 180 wards.

Safaricom has also allocated about Sh65 billion towards AI infrastructure.