Kenyans’ interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has more than doubled soaring by 150 per cent compared to the same period in 2023 according to new search trends released by Google on Monday.
Data from the tech giant show that searches in Kenya for “what is AI” also increased by 60%, while searches for “how to use AI” increased by 90%. Kenya has the fourth-highest search interest in AI in Africa – and ranks 13th in the world.
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%.
“AI has the potential to create opportunities – from the extraordinary to the everyday – for everyone: bringing new waves of innovation, social and economic progress. 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.” Agnes Gathaiya, Country Director for Google East Africa said.
Search interest in cybersecurity and AI also doubled across Kenya (+110%), while people showed a clear interest in the future of AI for science. Searches for AI and healthcare doubled (+100%), while searches for AI and medicine and AI and healthcare increased by 50%, while searches for AI and hospitals increased by 90%.
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