NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has emerged as the world’s leading country in artificial intelligence (AI) usage, with 97.5 per cent of internet users aged 16 and above reporting that they use AI, according to the Digital 2026 Mid-year Global Update Report.
The ranking highlights Kenya’s rapid adoption of AI tools among individuals, learners, employees and businesses, as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday activities and professional work.
The report places Kenya ahead of the United Arab Emirates, which recorded AI usage of 94.2 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 93.6 per cent and Egypt at 93.4 per cent.
Other African countries also featured prominently among nations with high levels of AI adoption. South Africa recorded 89.9 per cent, while Nigeria posted 89.4 per cent.
AI adoption expands across Kenya
Kenya has experienced a rapid increase in the use of AI services as individuals and organisations turn to the technology to improve productivity, access information and automate routine tasks.
Learners are increasingly using AI tools for research, learning support and content development, while employees and professionals are incorporating the technology into their daily workflows.
Businesses are also deploying AI to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Companies are using AI for applications such as customer support, credit scoring, fraud detection and process automation, with financial services among the sectors increasingly integrating the technology.
Safaricom among firms adopting AI
Safaricom is among Kenyan companies that have incorporated AI into its operations, including customer service and financial security.
The technology is used across parts of the company’s digital ecosystem, including M-Pesa customer care services and financial fraud detection, helping the telecommunications firm manage large volumes of customer interactions and identify potentially suspicious transactions.
The growing use of AI by large companies is also creating demand for workers with digital and technology skills capable of developing, managing and responsibly deploying AI-powered systems.
Kenya’s growing digital economy
Kenya’s strong showing comes as the country seeks to position itself as a leading digital economy in Africa.
The high AI adoption rate reflects the country’s relatively strong digital connectivity and growing technology ecosystem, as well as widespread use of smartphones and online services.
However, the rapid expansion of AI also raises questions around digital skills, data protection, cybersecurity, misinformation and responsible use of the technology.
As more Kenyans incorporate AI into education, business and employment, policymakers and technology companies are likely to face increasing pressure to ensure that adoption is accompanied by adequate digital literacy, safeguards and access to reliable technology.
Kenya’s first-place ranking nevertheless underlines the country’s growing appetite for emerging technologies and its potential to become a significant hub for AI-driven innovation on the continent.
