Google has released its Year in Search 2025 report, revealing that the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and world champion athlete Faith Kipyegon dominated Kenya’s online search activity across multiple categories.
The results highlight widespread public interest in political figures, national institutions, sports personalities and emerging social developments throughout the year.
In the news category, the late Odinga ranked among the most-searched topics nationally, appearing alongside the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, and the Social Health Authority portal Afya Yangu, which Kenyans use to access the new digital health insurance system.
Additional searches in positions 6 to 10 include the late American right-wing political activist and Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk; the late Pope Francis; Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni; former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati; and IEBC itself.
People (Kenyans)
Under People (Kenyans), members of the Odinga family occupied several of the top slots. At the top of the list is Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon, followed by Winnie Odinga, Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga, and the late veteran radio presenter Edward Kwach.
Search positions 6 to 10 feature Siaya Governor James Orengo, Rosemary Odinga, athlete Eliud Lagat, Kenyan Margaret Nduta, who had been sentenced to death in Vietnam, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi.
In People (Sports), Olympic champion Kipyegon appeared again, maintaining her position as one of the most searched athletes in the country.
Also featured in this category are footballers Joao Pedro, Xavi Simons, Bryan Mbeumo, and Sesko.
Positions 6 to 10 include Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Omar Marmoush.
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The questions category shows Kenyans seeking clarification on major local and international issues. Prominent queries include “Who Is Charlie Kirk?” “Who Is the New Pope?”, and “What Is Happening in Sudan?”
Additional searches include “What Is Happening in Congo”, “What Is Blood Moon”, “Who Is Raila Odinga”, “When Is the Ballon d’Or 2025”, and “What Is Jowi in Luo?” — a cultural term associated with traditional Luo identity and symbolism.
Google Year in Search 2025 for Kenya
Searches in the meaning category show interest in words and expressions such as Enigma, Conclave, Demure, and Kubant.
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Numbers 6 to 10 include “Habemus Papam Meaning” — the Latin proclamation used when a new Pope is elected, “Wantam Meaning”, “Ayurvedic Meaning”, “Saba Saba Meaning”, and “Blood Moon Meaning.”
The loss category features searches related to the reported deaths or concerns surrounding public figures. Names include the late Raila Odinga, Diogo Jota, Charlie Kirk, Pope Francis, and Wafula Chebukati.
Additional searches include the late Albert Ojwang, journalist Kimani Mbugua, American entertainer Hulk Hogan, author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and lawyer Kyalo Mbobu.
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