Kenya’s online searches in 2025 revealed a year shaped by political shifts, sports triumphs, growing interest in digital skills, and a new wave of popular language.
Google’s annual review shows what Kenyans looked for most, with the death of Raila Odinga standing out as the single biggest moment that dominated the country’s search habits.
Raila’s passing on October 15 drew sustained attention as the country followed every update on the funeral arrangements. Many searched for information on the journey to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo and what was planned for the final ceremony.
The word “Enigma”, a long-held reference used when talking about Odinga, also rose sharply, echoing the strong interest in his life story and political influence.
Searches linked to Winnie, Oburu, Ruth, and Rosemary Odinga also spiked as Kenyans followed the family’s public appearances through the mourning period.
Away from local politics, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni became one of the most searched global leaders in Kenya in November. His statements touching on the Indian Ocean stirred wide online debate and pushed many people to look for context on what he had said.
Sport also kept Kenyans searching. Faith Kipyegon was the country’s most-searched athlete after another year marked by world titles and headline-making performances. Football fans followed international players as well, with Liverpool forward Diogo Jota among those who attracted the most interest.
The list also captured how fast new language spreads online. Many users looked up words like “Enigma”, “Jowi” and “Conclave” as they tried to understand phrases that gained traction on social media. Other words that drew attention included “demure,” “Kubant,” “Habemus Papam,” “Wantam,” “Ayurvedic,” “Saba Saba,” and “blood moon”, showing a broad mix of curiosity around culture, faith, global events, and everyday talk.
Technology featured strongly throughout the year. Searches for AI tools, virtual assistance courses, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and data analysis grew fast, with several posting increases of more than 400 per cent compared to the previous year.
Many of these searches were connected to online income opportunities, remote jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
Fintech platforms were not left behind. PayPal and other digital payment services appeared among the top 20 searches, reflecting the shift toward digital money over traditional cash.
Music and film also remained popular topics. Harry Belafonte’s “Jamaica Farewell” topped music searches, followed by “Adonai” by Nathaniel Bassey and “Pawa” by Mbosso. Kenyans also looked for songs such as Iyanni’s “Donjo Maber”, Toxic Lyrikali’s “Backbencher”, Kodongklan’s “Nyaduse”, Coster’s “Jowi”, Okello Max’s “Taya”, Bien’s “All My Enemies Are Suffering”, and Chella’s “My Darling”.
On the screen, searches for Supacell, Damsel, and Shogun rose steadily as viewers looked for episode lists, cast information, and reviews after trending scenes sparked conversations online.
