The data highlights how politics, global personalities, sports, and cultural conversations shaped digital trends in the country.
At the top of Kenya’s trending searches was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His death in October 2025 drove a surge of online activity, with Kenyans researching his legacy, public career, and the events that followed his passing.
At the top of Kenya’s trending searches was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His death in October 2025 drove a surge of online activity, with Kenyans researching his legacy, public career, and the events that followed his passing.
Even related phrases such as “enigma,” a word strongly associated with him, dominated the meanings category on Google Trends.
In the list of the most searched losses, Odinga ranked first, followed by Liverpool football star Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing shocked the global football community.
In the list of the most searched losses, Odinga ranked first, followed by Liverpool football star Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing shocked the global football community.
Also high on the list were U.S. political activist Charlie Kirk and Pope Francis, both of whom generated significant online discussion in Kenya during the year.
Other notable figures included former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati, teacher Albert Ojwang, journalist Kimani Mbugua, and lawyer Kyalo Mbobu.
Within the news category, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), held between July and August, emerged as the year’s most searched event.
Within the news category, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), held between July and August, emerged as the year’s most searched event.
Raila Odinga appeared second in this category due to the extensive national attention surrounding his passing, followed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which dominated public policy discussions mid-year.
Searches related to Diogo Jota, Charlie Kirk, and Pope Francis also remained high, while Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni trended sharply in November after his controversial remarks about the Indian Ocean sparked regional debate.
Kenyans also flocked to Google to understand the meaning behind several trending terms. Besides “enigma,” words such as “Jowi,” “conclave,” “demure,” “Kubant,” “Habemus Papam,” “Ayurvedic,” “Saba saba,” and “blood moon” recorded notable search spikes, driven by both local events and global cultural conversations.
In the personalities category, Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon led the rankings after an outstanding year in global athletics.
Kenyans also flocked to Google to understand the meaning behind several trending terms. Besides “enigma,” words such as “Jowi,” “conclave,” “demure,” “Kubant,” “Habemus Papam,” “Ayurvedic,” “Saba saba,” and “blood moon” recorded notable search spikes, driven by both local events and global cultural conversations.
In the personalities category, Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon led the rankings after an outstanding year in global athletics.
Members of Raila Odinga’s family—Winnie Odinga, Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga, and Rosemary Odinga—also featured prominently due to their involvement in public affairs following the former Prime Minister’s death.
Other heavily searched personalities included journalist Edward Kwach, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, and Margaret Nduta, who became widely discussed after receiving a life sentence in Vietnam.
Google also revealed the top trending songs of 2025. Leading the list was the timeless classic Jamaica Farewell by Harry Belafonte, followed by Adonai by Nathaniel Bassey and Pawa by Tanzanian singer Mbosso.
Google also revealed the top trending songs of 2025. Leading the list was the timeless classic Jamaica Farewell by Harry Belafonte, followed by Adonai by Nathaniel Bassey and Pawa by Tanzanian singer Mbosso.
Local and regional tracks such as Donjo Maber, Backbencher, Nyaduse, Jowi, Taya, Bien’s All My Enemies Are Suffering, and Chella’s My Darling also captured Kenyans’ attention throughout the year.
