Afcacia

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed an unprecedented surge in interest around artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant shift in the nation’s digital landscape. According to new search trends released by Google, searches related to AI in Kenya have more than doubled since last year, with inquiries such as “what is AI” and “how to use AI” reflecting a deepening curiosity about this transformative technology.

Kenya’s rising interest in AI is part of a global trend, but the country’s engagement is particularly noteworthy. In the study conducted between January 1  and July 15, 2024, Google established that Kenya now ranks fourth in Africa and 13th worldwide for AI-related search interest. This surge is driven by a wide range of factors, including the potential for AI to revolutionize various sectors such as healthcare, business, and education.

Kenyans are not only interested in understanding AI but also in leveraging it for practical purposes. Google says Kenyans are looking to use AI to build their careers and creativity – with trending searches including “AI generated images”, “AI logo maker”, “AI text chat generator” and “ask AI questions” – all of which were ‘breakout’ searches in 2024, growing over 5,000% in interest since this time last year.

The research also shows that Kenyans are keen to grow their AI skills and qualifications. Searches for “AI jobs” more than tripled (+230%), while searches for “AI course” more than doubled (+120%). Top queries around AI and learning include “where to learn AI and machine learning in Kenya”, “learn prompt engineering”, and “what is needed to learn AI”. Searches for “AI and business” increased by 60%, while searches for “AI and startups” increased by 70%.

Agnes Gathaiya, the Country Director for Google East Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of AI, noting that it can create opportunities that range from the extraordinary to the everyday. “AI has the potential to create opportunities – from the extraordinary to the everyday – for everyone: bringing new waves of innovation, social and economic progress,” Gathaiya said in a press release.  “So it’s no surprise that the people of Kenya are already looking to make the most of this transformational technology – finding ways to learn more AI skills to boost their career, creativity, and society.”

She pointed out that Kenyans are keen to harness AI for social and economic progress, whether by enhancing their careers, fostering creativity, or driving societal change.

One of the key drivers of this AI enthusiasm in Kenya is Google’s proactive role in promoting AI education and innovation. Through its Hustle Academy, Google offers free AI training programs tailored for entrepreneurs, focusing on how to leverage AI to improve their businesses. Since its inception in 2022, the Hustle Academy has empowered over 10,000 businesses across Africa, providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

In addition to educational initiatives, Google also supports AI-focused startups through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This program specifically targets ventures that are addressing African challenges through AI-driven solutions. The 2024 cohort, for instance, includes 10 promising startups that are utilizing AI to tackle issues ranging from healthcare to agriculture.

The growing interest in AI is not limited to business and education. Kenyans are also exploring the potential of AI in healthcare, with searches related to AI and medicine, AI and healthcare, and AI in hospitals all seeing significant increases. This trend reflects a broader global movement towards the integration of AI in healthcare, where it is being used to improve diagnostics, personalize treatment plans, and streamline hospital operations.

Cybersecurity is another area where AI is making inroads in Kenya. With search interest in AI and cybersecurity doubling, it is clear that Kenyans are aware of the risks associated with digital transformation and are keen to explore how AI can be used to enhance security measures. This interest is timely, given the increasing number of cyber threats globally and the need for robust security frameworks to protect sensitive information.

The enthusiasm for AI in Kenya is not just about curiosity or keeping up with global trends; it is about actively engaging with a technology that promises to reshape the future. As Kenyans continue to explore AI, they are positioning themselves to be leaders in the digital revolution, leveraging technology to solve local challenges and create new opportunities.