Kenya Ranked World’s Top Country in AI Usage at 97.5 Percent

Kenya has been identified as the world's leading country in artificial intelligence (AI) usage, with 97.5 percent of internet users aged 16 and over employing AI-powered tools and services. This statistic, highlighted in the Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report, places Kenya ahead of other countries surveyed around the globe.

The rapid adoption of AI in Kenya is evident in the daily lives of its citizens, as learners, employees, individuals, and businesses leverage the technology to enhance productivity and automate mundane tasks. AI has become a popular resource for students and professionals, used for research, writing, data analysis, content creation, communication, and learning.

In addition, Kenyan businesses are increasingly incorporating AI into various aspects of their operations, such as reducing operational costs, improving customer experiences, and making faster decisions. Companies like Safaricom have adopted AI across their services, including customer support in M-Pesa and financial fraud detection.

This widespread adoption of AI in Kenya can be attributed to the expansion of smartphone and mobile internet access, which has created a substantial user base for emerging technologies. The United Arab Emirates came in second globally, with 94.2 percent of internet users aged 16 and above utilizing AI, followed by Indonesia at 93.6 percent.

Egypt rounded out the top four with an AI usage rate of 93.4 percent, underscoring the strong adoption of artificial intelligence in emerging markets. Other African countries with high levels of AI usage include South Africa (89.9 percent) and Nigeria (89.4 percent). Kenya's top ranking emphasizes the country's growing reputation as a technology and innovation hub on the African continent.

The increasing use of AI in Kenya also creates new opportunities for businesses and workers while necessitating a growing demand for digital skills. For companies, AI can automate repetitive tasks, analyze vast amounts of data, and improve customer engagement. For employees and entrepreneurs, AI provides essential tools for research, content production, planning, and other professional activities.