Google’s products and services drove approximately $900 million in economic activity across businesses, non-profits, publishers, creators, and developers in Kenya in 2023.
A new report titled ‘The Digital Opportunity of Kenya’, highlights Kenya’s position as a digital leader in Africa, emphasizing the significant potential of continued investment in its digital economy.
“Kenya’s digital transformation is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of its people,’’ said Agnes Gathaiya, Country Director at Google Kenya. “The insights from this report reaffirm the power of technology to drive sustainable growth and inspire us to continue working with partners to unlock Kenya’s full digital potential,” she added.
The report revealed key impacts of Google’s tools in the country, including a $98 million productivity boost from the 5.5 million hours saved annually by knowledge workers using Google Search and Workspace. Additionally, 300,000 young adults acquired new digital skills through Google Search in 2023, further underscoring the role of these tools in enhancing employment and productivity.
Kenya’s growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) also positions the country to lead in AI-enabled industries. The report estimates AI could add $2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2030.
“Our research shows that tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across Kenya, especially if there is a focus on connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence,” said Amy Price, Director and Head of Technology Policy at Public First.
The report provides recommendations for policymakers, including strengthening STEM education, promoting AI fluency, and enhancing digital infrastructure to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future.
This builds on Google’s 2021 commitment of $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy through initiatives that improve internet access, support entrepreneurs, and foster innovation. The investment has already made a tangible difference in Kenya, reinforcing its potential as a hub for digital transformation.
