Affordable Internet And Tech Savvy Population Propel Kenya To Global 1 Spot For ChatGPT
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya has emerged as a global leader in the adoption of artificial intelligence, with a new report revealing that it has the highest per-capita usage of OpenAI’s popular chatbot, ChatGPT. The “Digital 2025 July Global Statshot Report” by DataReportal and Meltwater indicates that an impressive 42.1% of Kenyan internet users aged 16 and over have used ChatGPT in the past month.
This statistic places Kenya at the forefront of AI adoption, surpassing even technologically advanced nations. The United Arab Emirates and Israel follow with a 42% and 41.4% usage rate, respectively, while the United States and Japan trail significantly with 19.1% and 5.8%.
The report’s findings have ignited a conversation about the factors driving this rapid embrace of AI in a developing economy. Technology experts and observers point to several key drivers:
A Young, Digital-Savvy Population: Kenya’s population is predominantly young, with a high level of digital literacy and an early adoption of mobile-first technologies. This demographic is quick to experiment with new digital tools, seeing them as a means for personal and professional growth.
Affordable and Widespread Internet Access: While not without its challenges, Kenya has made significant strides in expanding mobile network coverage and providing affordable internet access. The government’s “Digital Superhighway Project,” which aims to lay 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, is further strengthening this digital infrastructure. This widespread connectivity makes AI tools like ChatGPT accessible to a larger portion of the population.
The Rise of the Gig Economy: Kenya is a regional hub for the gig economy, with a large number of freelancers, content creators, and remote workers who rely on digital tools to increase their productivity and competitiveness. For this segment of the workforce, ChatGPT has become a valuable assistant for tasks ranging from content ideation to data analysis and communication.
Impact on Education and Professional Development: The high usage rates also reflect a growing interest in using AI for educational purposes. Kenyan students and professionals are leveraging ChatGPT for research, assignments, and skills development. This is happening in a context where educational institutions are also exploring the integration of AI into their curricula and teaching methods. Studies by institutions like the University of Nairobi have shown that using ChatGPT can enhance self-efficacy and comprehension among students, with a significant majority of respondents believing AI tools lead to better learning outcomes.
The government of Kenya, recognizing the potential of AI, has also taken proactive steps. In early 2025, the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy launched a national AI strategy, with a vision to position the country as a hub for ethical and inclusive AI innovation. The strategy aims to guide AI adoption and governance, focusing on capacity building and workforce development.
While the high adoption rate is a positive indicator of Kenya’s digital dynamism, it also raises questions about responsible AI use, data privacy, and the need for clear ethical guidelines, particularly within the education system. The focus for policymakers and educators is now on how to harness this momentum to create a sustainable and inclusive AI-powered future.
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