SHA, Finance Bill, Gachagua impeachment top Google’s most popular searches by Kenyans in 2024

Google has unveiled its Year in Search 2024, highlighting the top trends and most searched topics by Kenyans this year.

From a new healthcare system to major sports events, the report highlights the key topics that captured Kenya's attention in 2024.

The Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), was the top trending news search.

"Kenyans are increasingly concerned about their healthcare systems, and SHA's introduction as the primary provider for Kenyans grabbed widespread attention," reads the report by Google.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) and Finance Bill 2024 were the two most searched topics by Kenyans on Google this year.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. (Photo: SHA)

The Gachagua impeachment, the US Elections 2024, Haiti, Cyclone Hidaya, Starlink Kenya, Gen Z, SHIF and Ford Foundation rounded off the top 10 most searched topics by Kenyans in 2024.

In the world of politics, the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was the most searched local personality.

His controversial impeachment sparked national debates, leaving many to search for the latest updates.

"Gachagua's impeachment was a key moment for Kenya this year, which resonated with a wide audience," the report reads further.

Other top local personalities searched included Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, and Soipan Tuya, the CS for Defence.

On the global stage, Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican reggae and dancehall superstar, was the top trending international personality.

Following him were Donald Trump, the U.S. President-Elect, and Benny Hinn, the American televangelist who returned to Kenya for a large-scale crusade in February.

Hinn's "Healing the Nation" event in Nairobi was one of the most significant religious gatherings in Kenya this year.

Sports searches

Sports enthusiasts continued to dominate search queries, with AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast taking centre stage.

"Kenyans' passion for football continues to grow, and this year's AFCON tournament was closely followed by fans," reads the report.

Ivory Coast's players celebrate after the victory at the end of the AFCON 2023 round of 16 match against Senegal in Yamoussoukro on January 29, 2024. (Photo: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP)

Euro 2024 and the Olympics 2024 Schedule were also among the top searches, reflecting Kenyans' global sports interests.

Tragic news also left a significant mark on the nation's searches. Brian Chira, a popular content creator, was the most searched loss in 2024 after he died in a hit-and-run accident in March.

His death shocked the nation and led to an outpouring of grief from his followers.

The passing of Rita Tinina, a renowned journalist and Charles Ouda, a celebrated actor, director, and scriptwriter, were also among the most searched topics.

Ouda's death, which left a significant impact on Kenya's entertainment industry, sparked tributes from fans and colleagues alike, remembering his invaluable contributions to film and television.

Entertainment trends in Kenya showed strong interest in "Supacell," "Damsel," and "Shogun", three of the top trending movies and TV shows.

Additionally, Kenyans sought out the lyrics to popular songs like "Anguka Nayo," "Kudade," and "Hit and Run."

In the culinary space, many Kenyans turned to Google for recipes.

Searches for dishes like chicken curry and pumpkin soup were highly popular, highlighting the growing interest in diverse cuisines.

Kenyans' curiosity also extended to everyday questions.

Among the top searches were how to check KCSE results, how to update a token meter, and how to say "hello" in Italian.

People were also searching about Airbnb, endometriosis, and Father's Day 2024, reflecting their ongoing engagement with practical, lifestyle-related information.