Google has unveiled its Year in Search 2024 lists, highlighting the most searched topics by Kenyans on Google in 2024.
This annual report offers a detailed view of what Kenyans searched for most and the issues that dominated their interests.
Top Trending Topics of the Year
The most searched topics in 2024 were the shift to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Finance Bill 2024, both of which sparked intense debates nationwide.
These two issues dominated public discourse for months, as citizens pushed back against the government’s proposals.
Youth-led protests eventually led to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, which had suggested sweeping changes to tax laws.
The US Elections 2024 ranked third among trending topics, reflecting Kenyans’ ongoing interest in global political developments.
Trending Personalities of the Year
In the personalities category, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was the most searched individual following his high-profile impeachment.
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Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano and Soipan Tuya also trended due to their appointments to head the tourism and defence ministries, respectively.
Globally, Jamaican musician Vybz Kartel led the searches after being released from prison in July, following the overturning of his murder conviction.
He was followed by Donald Trump, who staged a successful return to the White House, and televangelist Benny Hinn, who drew massive crowds to his February crusade at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
Sports Dominated by Football
Kenyans’ passion for sports shone through, with football dominating searches. AFCON 2024, held in Côte d’Ivoire between January and February, was the most popular sports query.
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This was followed by Euro 2024, hosted in Germany between June and July.
Additionally, there was significant interest in the Olympics 2024 Schedule, showcasing Kenya’s enthusiasm for global sports events.
Losses That Moved the Nation
The country mourned the loss of several notable figures in 2024. Content creator Brian Chira, who died in a hit-and-run accident in March, sparked an outpouring of grief online.
Thousands attended his funeral to honor his memory. Actor and singer Charles Ouda and journalist Rita Tinina were also widely searched following their untimely deaths.
Entertainment and Pop Culture Highlights
Entertainment searches reflected Kenyans’ love for movies and music.
Films and TV shows like ‘Supacell,’ ‘Damsel,’ and ‘Shogun’ topped the list, while popular song lyrics such as ‘Anguka Nayo,’ ‘Kudade,’ and ‘Hit and Run’ were frequently looked up.
Kenyans also used Google to answer their most pressing questions. Common queries included “how to check KCSE results 2023,” “how to update token meter,” and “what is Airbnb?”
There was also interest in topics like “what is endometriosis,” “when are schools opening in Kenya,” and “when is Father’s Day in 2024.”
Google’s Year in Search 2024 offers a fascinating look at the topics and events that shaped conversations in Kenya over the past year, highlighting the diversity of interests across politics, entertainment, sports, and personal inquiries.
