Google has revealed that its products and services provided an estimated $900 million of economic activity for businesses, non-profits, publishers, creators, and developers in Kenya, in 2023.

In a report dubbed The Digital Opportunity of Kenya, released on Monday, Google noted that the findings underscore Kenya's standing as a digital leader in Africa and the significant potential of continued investment in the digital economy.

"Kenya’s digital transformation is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of its people,’’ said Agnes Gathaiya, country director, Google Kenya.

‘’The insights from this report reaffirm the power of technology to drive sustainable growth and inspire us to continue working with partners to unlock Kenya’s full digital potential." she added.

The report further notes that Kenya’s knowledge workers saved 5.5 million hours annually using Google Search and Workspace, resulting in a $98 million improvement in productivity.

It also adds 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.

The report highlights that as the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows, that Kenya has the chance to establish itself as a leader in AI-enabled industries.

According to the report, AI could add $2.4 billion to Kenya's economy by 2030.

"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," said Amy Price, director and head of Technology Policy at Public First.

Kenya’s digital economy is poised for growth through initiatives that prioritise connectivity, cloud-first policies, and digital infrastructure. The report provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance these efforts and prepare the workforce for the AI-driven future, emphasising the need for strengthened STEM education and AI fluency.

In 2021, Google committed $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy through initiatives that enhance internet access, support entrepreneurs, and foster innovation. This investment has already made a tangible difference in Kenya, according to the report.