Google has unveiled its Year in Search 2024 list for Kenya, shedding light on the topics that resonated most with Kenyans over the year. The annual report highlights the top trending searches, offering a glimpse into the country’s collective interests and curiosities.
Topping the trending news list was the Social Health Authority (SHA), a newly established healthcare system that replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as Kenya’s primary healthcare provider. The SHA captured significant attention as Kenyans sought to understand its implications.
The Finance Bill 2024 also dominated searches, sparking widespread concern due to its proposed tax hikes aimed at generating government revenue. Public protests, largely led by Gen Z, ultimately forced the withdrawal of the bill. In third place were the U.S. Elections 2024, reflecting Kenya’s engagement with global political events.
In the personalities category, former Deputy President Gachagua led the list of trending local figures following his impeachment, which sparked national debate. He was followed by Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, and Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence.
Globally, the most searched personalities included Jamaican reggae star Vybz Kartel, U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump, and televangelist Benny Hinn, who returned to Kenya after two decades for a massive “Healing the Nation” crusade at Nyayo Stadium in February. Controversial Equitorial Guinea government official Baltasar Engonga was also in the global search demand, thanks to his web of over 400 sex videos that are still circulating online.
Football remained a favorite topic for Kenyans, with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Ivory Coast between January and February, leading the sports-related searches. Euro 2024 in Germany and the Olympics 2024 schedule also captured attention, highlighting Kenya’s passion for global sporting events.
The most-searched loss of 2024 was the tragic death of Brian Chira, a beloved content creator who died in a hit-and-run accident in March. His passing prompted widespread mourning and a large funeral turnout. Other notable figures whose deaths drew attention included Charles Ouda, a celebrated actor and director, and journalist Rita Tinina, who succumbed to pneumonia.
In the culinary space, Kenyans explored their love for diverse flavors with searches for chicken curry and pumpkin soup recipes among the year’s top food queries. In entertainment, trending movies and shows included “Supacell,” “Damsel,” and “Shogun,” while music lovers sought lyrics for hits such as “Anguka Nayo,” “Kudade,” and “Hit and Run.”
Practical searches also reflected Kenyans’ everyday needs and curiosities, with questions such as “How to check KCSE results 2023,” “How to update a token meter,” “What is Airbnb?” and “What is endometriosis?” topping the list. Queries about school reopening dates and Father’s Day 2024 further underscored the nation’s diverse interests throughout the year.
The Year in Search 2024 offers a snapshot of what mattered most to Kenyans, reflecting their engagement with local, regional, and global events.
Here are the full lists of Top 10 Trending Searches by Kenyans in 2024:
