Google has unveiled its highly anticipated Year in Search 2023 lists for Kenya, shedding light on the topics that captivated the nation throughout the year.
The annual analysis not only unveils the top trending searches but also showcases what the world was curious to see, learn, and do.
Local Personalities Take Center Stage
Topping the list of trending local personalities is politician Millicent Omanga.
Omanga gained significant attention after an intimate video circulated on social media, sparking controversy and speculation about her involvement.
Following closely is Pastor Ezekiel, a Kenyan televangelist, and founder of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church.
His arrest and the subsequent closure of his church by the government in connection to the Shakahola Cult massacre generated widespread interest.
Notably, Faith Kipyegon, the middle-distance running sensation, secured the sixth spot after her historic victory at the World Athletics Championships.
Global Personalities: From Football Transfers to Political Controversies
The global personalities list features a mix of sports stars, political figures, and entertainment personalities.
Ukrainian footballer Mudryk claimed the top spot after a high-profile transfer saga between Arsenal and Chelsea during the summer season.
Declan Rice, the English footballer, secured the second position after joining Arsenal from WestHam in a record-breaking £105 million transfer.
Ugandan President Museveni also made headlines for signing an anti-LGBTQ+ law with the death penalty for same-sex acts, sparking international condemnation.
Sports Dominate Searches
The sports category was dominated by the Rugby World Cup, held in France between September and October.
Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian football club, had an exceptional year, acquiring renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte, and Sadio Mané.
The English Premier League continued to captivate Kenyans, with key matchups such as Arsenal vs Man United, Chelsea vs Arsenal, Chelsea vs Man City, and Arsenal vs Man City dominating search queries.
Education, Loss, and Entertainment
Education-related searches focused on higher education financing, teacher performance appraisal systems, and national examinations.
The demise of former Cabinet Secretary for Education, Magoha, was the most searched loss, followed by South African rapper Costa Titch and Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu.
Movies and TV shows that trended included “Oppenheimer,” “Kaleidoscope,” “Sultana,” and “Extraction 2.” The top searches in the education category included the HEF portal, TPAD2, NEMIS, and CBA KNEC portal.
Top 10 Trending Searches by Kenyans in 2023:
Trending Local Personalities:
- Millicent Omanga
- Pastor Ezekiel
- DJ Fatxo
- Georgina Njenga
- Pastor Mackenzie
- Faith Kipyegon
- Matiangi
- Chebukati
- Martha Koome
- Mathe Wa Ngara
Trending Global Personalities:
- Mudryk
- Declan Rice
- Caicedo
- Mason Mount
- Hakimi
- Museveni
- Onana
- Joao Felix
- Steve Harvey
- Trossard
Personalities who trended after their death:
- Magoha
- Costa Titch
- Christian Atsu
- Edwin Chiloba
- Matthew Perry
- AKA
- Tina Turner
- Ilagosa Wa Ilagosa
- Bray Wyatt
- Catherine Kasavuli
Trending Sports:
- Rugby World Cup
- Al Nassr
- EPL table 2023/24
- Women World Cup
- Ballon d’Or 2023
- Champions League
- Carabao Cup
- Boston Marathon 2023
- FA Cup Final
- Bundesliga standings
Trending Movies & TV Shows:
- Oppenheimer
- Kaleidoscope
- Sultana
- Barbie Movie
- Extraction 2
- Becky
- Fast X
- Sex Life
- Top Boy
- Fatal Seduction
Trending Education:
- HEF portal
- TPAD2
- NEMIS
- CBA KNEC portal
- KCSE results 2022
- Form one selection 2023
- KUCCPS portal
- School calendar 2023
- Open University of Kenya
- KCPE registration
