Search interest for Artificial Intelligence hits all-time high in Kenya

According to search trends, Kenyans have been actively searching for AI-related information in 2023, with a remarkable 270% increase compared to the previous year and a 400% increase over the past five years. 

In a press statement on Monday, Google revealed that most Kenyans have been searching for “how to use artificial intelligence”, “what is an AI”, “how AI works”, “how to make artificial intelligence”. 

Google attributes the surge in AI curiosity to the launch of its conversational AI service, Bard.

Initially released in English in March and followed by a Swahili version in July 2023, the tech company says Bard has contributed to the growing interest in AI within the Kenyan digital landscape.

Besides seeking information about AI, Kenyans are increasingly looking to incorporate AI into their lives to enhance productivity, creativity and career prospects, with search interest in AI related to jobs skyrocketing by over 5000% this year.

Additionally, inquiries concerning AI in the context of CV or resume building have surged by 1,150%, and interest in the AI courses has doubled (+100%).

Queries for “free AI image generator” (+2,500%), “AI music generator” (+2,200%), “AI website builder” (+1,600%), “AI video generator” (+1,400%) and “logo maker AI” (+1,150%) have all seen substantial growth, showcasing a desire to explore AI’s creative applications.

Google’s East Africa Director Agnes Gathaiya said the company is committed to working with Kenya to maximise the potential of AI, while minimising its abuse. 

“It’s great to see people in Kenya showing such a keen interest in the transformational technology that is AI. People in Africa and across the world are already using and benefiting from responsibly developed AI-based tools every day - but the speed of technological advancement is accelerating, and while it’s exhilarating to see these breakthroughs, it’s important that we get it right here in Kenya,” she said. 

The data also reveals that Kenyans are increasingly focused on building their careers and acquiring new skills, with searches for AI courses showing an increase by 100%, while searches for “online business from home” rising by 250% since last year. 

Interest in “how to register a business” also saw a 200% increase.

Furthermore, there is a growing interest in gaining certifications, particularly in digital skills.

Searches for courses in virtual assistance (+450%), data analysis (+200%), digital marketing (+200%), and cybersecurity (+100%) have all seen significant growth in 2023.

Google, through its “Grow with Google” program, has already trained over 7 million people across Africa since 2015, offering opportunities for individuals to reskill without the need for a college degree or prior experience, with certifications including data analytics, UX design and digital marketing.

In terms of cyber security and misinformation, Kenyans are demonstrating a heightened awareness.

Searches for ““DNS hijacking” (+350%), “click fraud” (+150%) and “voice phishing” (+100%) have increased, reflecting a growing awareness on online threats.

Misinformation is also a concern, with searches for “fake news” rising by over 5,000% in the past decade, while queries related to “fact-checking” and “disinformation” have increased by 2,700% and 1,150% respectively.

Searches for “how to identify fake news” have risen by 200%, while ‘types of disinformation” have increased by 60%.