Omanga, Pastor Ezekiel, Dj Fatxo top Kenyan searches in 2023
Google has unveiled its Year in Search 2023 lists for Kenya, providing an insight into the interests that captivated Kenyans throughout the year.
Google’s Year in Search is an annual analysis that reveals the top trending lists and highlights what the world wants to see, learn and do.
Politician Millicent Omanga topped Google’s most searched list for 2023 following the release of Kenya’s ‘A Year in Search,’ on Monday.
Omanga, a businesswoman and politician trended after an intimate video of a woman circulated on social media with some users alleging that the person in the undated video was her.
Following behind Omanga is the infamous Pastor Ezekiel, a Kenyan televangelist and founder of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church who was arrested and his church closed by the government after being linked to the Shakahola Cult massacre.
He was later freed by a Shanzu court after the prosecution said investigations against him had been completed and recommended closure of the case file.
Further down the list at number six, Faith Kipyegon, the three-time world record holder in middle-distance running, also made the list of the top trending searches by Kenyans after she won the World Athletics Championships 1500m and 5000m titles, completing a remarkable distance double and becoming the first woman ever to complete a 1,500-5,000 meters double at the World Championships.
The top trending global personalities in 2023 were a mix of sports stars, political figures, and entertainment personalities.
Mudryk, the Ukrainian footballer, topped the list after his transfer saga that saw Arsenal and Chelsea compete for his signature during the summer transfer season.
Chelsea finally confirmed signing him after hijacking Arsenal’s proposed move for the winger in an £87 million transfer.
Second in the list is Declan Rice, an English footballer who joined Arsenal from WestHam in a British record transfer fee of £105 million.
Also on the list is Museveni, the Ugandan president, who signed an anti-LGBTQ+ law with the death penalty for same-sex acts, a move that immediately drew condemnation from many Ugandans as well as widespread international outrage.
The sports list was dominated by the Rugby World Cup, which took place between September and October in France.
This was followed by Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian football club which had an exceptional year, achieving notable successes and acquiring renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte, and Sadio Mané.
The English Premier League continued its dominance in the sports category with games such as Arsenal vs Man United, Chelsea vs Arsenal, Chelsea vs Man City, and Arsenal vs Man city, dominating the searches by Kenyans.
Searches related to higher education financing, teacher performance appraisal systems, and national examinations dominated the trending education list.
The HEF portal (Higher Education Financing Portal), TPAD 2 (Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development System 2), and NEMIS (National Education Management Information System), all of which provide access to educational resources and opportunities, were among the most searched terms related to education.
The death of former Cabinet Secretary for Education, Magoha was the most searched loss by Kenyans, followed by South African rapper Costa Titch, who died in March.
The death of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, who was found dead under his home in Southern Turkey following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria in February also sent Kenyans online.
Below are the full lists of Top 10 Trending Searches by Kenyans in 2023:
Trending Local Personalities
- Millicent Omanga
- Pastor Ezekiel
- DJ Fatxo
- Georgina Njenga
- Pastor Mackenzie
- Faith Kipyegon
- Matiangi
- Chebukati
- Martha Koome
- Mathe Wa Ngara
Trending Global Personalities
- Mudryk
- Declan Rice
- Caicedo
- Mason Mount
- Hakimi
- Museveni
- Onana
- Joao Felix
- Steve Harvey
- Trossard
Trending Loss
- Magoha
- Costa Titch
- Christian Atsu
- Edwin Chiloba
- Matthew Perry
- AKA
- Tina Turner
- Ilagosa Wa Ilagosa
- Bray Wyatt
- Catherine Kasavuli
Trending Sports
- Rugby World Cup
- Al Nassr
- EPL table 2023/24
- Women World Cup
- Ballon d’Or 2023
- Champions League
- Carabao Cup
- Boston Marathon 2023
- FA Cup Final
- Bundesliga standings
Trending Movies & TV Shows
- Oppenheimer
- Kaleidoscope
- Sultana
- Barbie Movie
- Extraction 2
- Becky
- Fast X
- Sex Life
- Top Boy
- Fatal Seduction
Trending Education
- HEF portal
- TPAD2
- NEMIS
- CBA KNEC portal
- KCSE results 2022
- Form one selection 2023
- KUCCPS portal
- School calendar 2023
- Open University of Kenya
- KCPE registration
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
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Comedies
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Documentaries
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Entertainment
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Full Episodes
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Gumzo La Sato
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Health Diary
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Letter To My Younger Self
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Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
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Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
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Trending
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Twende
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Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.