Search interest for Artificial Intelligence at an all-time high in Kenya

Google has today revealed that searches for artificial intelligence, or AI, are at an all-time high in Kenya. Search trends show that people have searched for AI more than ever in 2023 so far, with interest rising 270% since last year - and 400% over the last five years.

Searches for “How to use artificial intelligence? (+350%), “what is an AI?” (+300%), “how AI works” (+200%) and “how to make artificial intelligence” (+200%) are all trending.

Google, which released their conversational AI service Bard in Kenya in English in March and in Swahili in July, says it sees AI as having huge potential to help people, businesses and communities. Google has committed to pursuing AI responsibly, which includes advocating for responsible regulation, working in partnership with others to get AI right, and prioritising the technology’s purpose for public good.

As well as turning to Google Search to better understand AI, people in Kenya have begun to look to use AI to increase their productivity, capture their imagination and build their careers. Search interest in AI in relation to jobs increased by over 5,000% this year - while searches for AI in relation to CV or resume building increased by 1,150% and searches in relation to AI courses doubled (+100%). Searches 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%) all also increased.

“It’s great to see people in Kenya showing such a keen interest in the transformational technology that is AI.’’ Agnes Gathaiya, Director, East Africa said.

‘’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. We’re committed to working boldly, responsibly and together with Kenya to maximise the potential of AI, while minimising its abuse.’’ added.

The trends, released today, also show that Kenyans are also increasingly interested in building their careers and learning new skills. Searches for AI courses increased by 100%, while searches for “online business from home” have increased by 250% since last year, and “how to register a business” have increased by 200%.

Kenyans are also looking to gain new certifications, particularly in digital skills - with searches for courses in virtual assistance (+450%), data analysis (+200%), digital marketing (+200%), and cybersecurity (+100%) all increasing significantly this year.

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