300,000 youths acquire digital skills through Google, new report shows
MICHAEL OMONDI-KNA
The ICT Authority, Google, and other stakeholders have unveiled the findings of The Digital Opportunity of Kenya, an independent report conducted by Public First.
The report explores the transformative impact of digital technology on Kenya’s economy, revealing that Google’s products and services contributed an estimated $900 million in economic activity for businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators, and developers in Kenya in 2023.
The insights also highlight Kenya’s position as a digital leader in Africa and emphasize the immense potential of continued investment in the digital economy.
According to a press statement, key findings from the report regarding economic contribution show that Google’s products and services—such as Search, Workspace, YouTube, Cloud, and Ads— generated $900 million in economic value in Kenya in 2023, empowering businesses, creators, and individuals across sectors.
In terms of productivity gains, knowledge workers saved 5.5 million hours annually using Google Search and Workspace, resulting in a $98 million improvement in productivity.
Furthermore, on digital skills development, the report reveals that 300,000 young adults acquired new digital skills through Google Search in 2023, highlighting the positive impact of these tools on employment and productivity.
According to AI Potential, the report maintains that Artificial Intelligence could add $2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2030, underscoring its potential to reshape industries and create new opportunities for growth.
ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya stated that Google’s significant contributions to Kenya’s digital economy demonstrate the power of technology to drive economic prosperity.
“Our ongoing collaboration with Google aims to unlock further opportunities for growth and innovation,” he said. Concurrently, Google Kenya Country Director Agnes Gathaiya observed that Kenya’s digital transformation is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of its people.
“At Google, we are deeply committed to building on this momentum by continuing to provide tools, skills, and infrastructure that enable individuals and businesses to innovate, thrive, and compete on a global scale,” Gathaiya said.
She noted that insights from the report reaffirmed the power of technology to drive sustainable growth and inspire Google to continue working with partners to unlock Kenya’s full digital potential.
In her remarks, Director and Head of Technology Policy at Public First Amy Price said, “Our research shows that tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across Kenya, especially if there is a focus on connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.”