- Kenya has recorded the world’s highest AI usage rate at 97.5%.
- The ranking comes from the Digital 2026 Mid-year Global Update Report.
- Kenya is ahead of the UAE, Indonesia and Egypt in AI adoption.
- Businesses, learners and professionals are increasingly using AI tools.
- Experts say rapid AI growth raises new questions around digital skills and data protection.
Kenya has emerged as the world’s leading country in artificial intelligence usage, with 97.5 per cent of internet users aged 16 and above reporting that they use AI, according to the Digital 2026 Mid-year Global Update Report.
The finding places Kenya ahead of all other countries surveyed and highlights the country’s rapid adoption of AI tools across education, business and everyday digital activities.
The report ranked Kenya first globally, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 94.2 per cent, Indonesia at 93.6 per cent, and Egypt at 93.4 per cent.
Other African countries also recorded high levels of adoption, with South Africa at 89.9 per cent and Nigeria at 89.4 per cent, underlining the continent’s growing engagement with AI technologies.
The report indicates that AI is no longer limited to technology specialists. Learners are increasingly using AI tools for research, study support and content creation, while employees and professionals are integrating the technology into their daily work.
Businesses are also adopting AI to improve efficiency, automate routine processes and enhance customer service.
Financial institutions and digital service providers are among the sectors using AI for tasks such as fraud detection, credit scoring and customer support.
The report notes that large Kenyan companies have been expanding their use of AI across customer-facing and operational systems.
Safaricom, for example, has incorporated AI into areas including customer service and financial security, using the technology to manage large volumes of customer interactions and identify potentially suspicious transactions within its digital ecosystem.
The growing corporate adoption of AI is also increasing demand for workers with digital and technology skills capable of developing and managing AI-powered systems.
Analysts say Kenya’s strong ranking reflects several factors, including widespread smartphone use, expanding internet access and a vibrant technology ecosystem.
The country has increasingly positioned itself as a regional digital hub, with startups, universities and established companies investing in AI-related products and services.
The high adoption rate suggests that emerging technologies are being embraced not only by businesses but also by ordinary consumers.
Despite the strong adoption figures, experts say the rapid spread of AI raises important questions around digital literacy, data protection, cybersecurity, misinformation and responsible use of technology.
As more Kenyans use AI in education, employment and business, policymakers and technology companies are likely to face growing pressure to ensure that adoption is accompanied by adequate safeguards and public awareness.
The report’s findings do not necessarily mean that every Kenyan is using advanced AI systems daily, but they do indicate exceptionally high engagement with AI-enabled services and applications among internet users.
Kenya’s first-place ranking nevertheless reinforces its reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic digital economies and highlights its potential to become a significant centre for AI-driven innovation on the continent.
With AI adoption continuing to rise globally, Kenya’s challenge now will be to translate widespread usage into long-term economic value, innovation and inclusive digital growth.
