The controversial shift to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the equally contentious Finance Bill 2024 were the most searched topics by Kenyans on Google this year, a new report has revealed.
The tech giant’s ‘Year in Search’ list reveals the most popular trends that have captured the interest of Kenyans over the past 12 months.
The top two issues have dominated national debate for months, with the State facing fierce opposition from the citizens who pushed back against the imposition of both.
During the year under review, the US Elections 2024 was the third most trending news story in the country.
Personalities of the year
In the personalities category, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua topped the list following his high-profile impeachment. He was followed by cabinet secretaries Rebecca Miano and Soipan Tuya, who were appointed to head the tourism and defence dockets respectively.
Top global personalities were a mix of political and entertainment figures, led by Jamaican reggae and dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, who was released from prison in July after 13 years following the overturning of his murder conviction. He is followed by the US President-elect Donald Trump, who pulled off an incredible comeback to the White House, and American televangelist Benny Hinn, who held a crusade dubbed, “Healing the Nation” at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi in February.
Sports list
“Kenyans love for football continued to manifest this year. The sports list was dominated by ‘Afcon’, which took place between January and February in Cote d’Ivoire and was filled with goals, drama, and unexpected outcomes,” Google said.
“This was followed by ‘Euro 2024’, which was hosted in Germany between June and July, involving 24 teams. Kenyans also searched for the ‘Olympics 2024 Schedule.”
The losses
The most searched for loss by Kenyans was Brian Chira, a content creator who died in a hit-and-run accident in March, sparking widespread mourning among his fans and friends, with thousands attending his funeral to honour his memory.
Kenyans also searched about the deaths of Charles Ouda, a renowned actor, director, scriptwriter, and singer, and television journalist Rita Tinina following her demise after a bout of severe pneumonia.
On the entertainment scene, ‘Supacell,’ ‘Damsel,’ and ‘Shogun’ topped the list of trending movies and TV shows, while Kenyans were also keen on finding the lyrics to popular songs like ‘Anguka Nayo,’ ‘Kudade,’ and ‘Hit and Run.’
“Other top-searched questions like ‘how to check KCSE results 2023,’ ‘how to update token meter,’ ‘how to say ‘hello’ in Italian,’ ‘what is Airbnb,’ ‘what is endometriosis,’ ‘when are schools opening in Kenya,’ and ‘when is Father’s Day in 2024’ demonstrated Kenyans’ use of Search to explore their interests in 2024,” said Google.
