The people of the Lake have spoken, and they prefer their news in black and white. A new report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reveals that Kisumu and Siaya counties are the undisputed champions of newspaper readership in Kenya, defying the digital tsunami that is sweeping the rest of the country.

The data is striking. The Lake region, alongside the Lower Eastern counties of Kitui and Machakos, recorded a readership rate of 22%. In stark contrast, the Coast region trails dismally at 11%. This geographical disparity paints a fascinating picture of information consumption in Kenya, where political engagement and literacy levels drive the demand for the printed word.

The Last Stand of Print

The "So What?" is the resilience of traditional media in specific cultural strongholds. While Nairobi rushes to X and TikTok (where internet access is at 80%), the residents of Kisumu still value the authority and depth of a physical newspaper. It suggests a populace that is deeply politically conscious and hungry for detailed analysis, not just headlines. However, the overall trend is undeniable: print is shrinking. The high cost of living and the ubiquity of smartphones are pushing the masses toward digital platforms.

The CA report highlights a nation in transition. Radio and TV remain the kings of reach (73% national usage), but the newspaper is becoming a niche product for the informed elite and the politically active rural class. The decline in the Coast and North Rift suggests that where distribution is hard and income is low, print dies first.

• The Leaders: Kisumu, Siaya, Kitui, and Machakos tie at the top with 22% readership.
• The Laggards: Coast region records the lowest interest in newspapers at 11%.
• The Context: Nairobi leads in internet access (80%), driving the shift to e-papers and social media news consumption.

A Cultural Mirror

"Newspaper usage has declined... due to the rapid growth of the internet," the report notes dryly. But in Siaya, the vendor is still a vital part of the morning ritual. It is a testament to a community that treats news not just as information, but as a topic of debate in the market centers and barazas.

As the digital wave rises, the newspaper may eventually drown. But for now, in the counties of the Lake, the press is still hot, and the ink is still stained on the fingers of the faithful.