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Search Advertising - Kenya

Kenya
  • Ad spending in the Search Advertising market in Kenya is forecasted to reach US$21.91m in 2025.
  • The sector is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2030) of 7.86%, leading to a projected market volume of US$31.99m by 2030.
  • When compared globally, the United States will account for the highest ad spending (US$154.78bn in 2025).
  • In Kenya's Search Advertising market, 47% of total ad spending will originate from mobile in 2030.
  • The anticipated average ad spending per internet user in the Search Advertising market is projected to be US$0.59 in 2025.
  • Kenya's search advertising market is experiencing a surge in interest from local businesses aiming to capitalize on the country's growing digital economy.

Definition:
Search Advertising, also called search engine advertising (SEA) or paid search advertising, refers to advertisements displayed on search results pages above or next to the organic search results. Brands can create search advertising campaigns. Paying a fee or bidding will give a better ranking each time targeted audiences search and click on the campaign’s ads. These advertisements are usually text based but can be displayed as images or videos where applicable.

Additional information:
Search Advertising comprises advertising spending, users, average revenue per user, and key players. The market only displays B2B spending. Figures are based on advertising spending and exclude agency commissions, rebates, production costs, and taxes. Key players in Search Advertising include Google, Bing, Baidu, Amazon, and Alibaba. For more information on the data displayed, use the info button right next to the boxes.
In-Scope
  • Search Engine Advertising (SEA)
  • Keyword advertising
  • Sponsored links
Out-Of-Scope
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
Search Advertising: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Search Advertising: market data & analysis
Study Details

    Ad Spending

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Search Advertising market in Kenya has been experiencing significant growth in recent years.

    Customer preferences:
    Kenyan consumers have increasingly turned to the internet to search for information, products, and services. This shift in consumer behavior has created a growing demand for search advertising, as businesses recognize the importance of reaching their target audience online. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing availability of affordable smartphones, more Kenyans now have access to the internet, making search advertising an effective way for businesses to connect with potential customers.

    Trends in the market:
    One of the key trends in the Search Advertising market in Kenya is the increasing use of mobile devices for internet access. Mobile phones have become the primary device for internet usage in the country, and this trend has had a significant impact on search advertising. Advertisers are now focusing on optimizing their campaigns for mobile devices, ensuring that their ads are displayed correctly and effectively on smaller screens. This trend is expected to continue as mobile penetration rates in Kenya continue to rise. Another trend in the Search Advertising market in Kenya is the growing importance of local search. Kenyan consumers are increasingly searching for products and services within their local area, and businesses are recognizing the need to target these local searches. This has led to the rise of location-based advertising, where businesses can target potential customers based on their geographic location. This trend is particularly relevant for small businesses that operate in specific regions of Kenya.

    Local special circumstances:
    One of the unique aspects of the Search Advertising market in Kenya is the dominance of Google as the primary search engine. Google holds a significant market share in Kenya, and businesses looking to advertise online often focus their efforts on Google Ads. This dominance has created a competitive landscape for search advertising, with businesses vying for top positions in Google's search results. As a result, businesses need to invest in effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and targeted advertising campaigns to stand out from the competition.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The growing Search Advertising market in Kenya is also influenced by macroeconomic factors. Kenya has experienced steady economic growth in recent years, with a growing middle class and increased consumer spending. This has created a favorable environment for businesses to invest in advertising and marketing, including search advertising. Additionally, the government of Kenya has made efforts to improve internet infrastructure and expand access to the internet, further fueling the growth of the Search Advertising market. In conclusion, the Search Advertising market in Kenya is experiencing significant growth due to changing customer preferences, including the increasing use of mobile devices and the importance of local search. The dominance of Google as the primary search engine and favorable macroeconomic factors also contribute to the development of the market. As more businesses recognize the importance of online advertising, the Search Advertising market in Kenya is expected to continue its growth trajectory.

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    Data encompasses enterprises (B2B). Figures are based on search advertising spending and exclude agency commissions, rebates, production costs, and taxes. The market covers search advertising that is displayed on search result pages or next to organic search results.

    Modeling approach:

    A combined top-down and bottom-up approach determines the market size. Starting with the top-down approach, we calculate global search advertising by aggregating advertising revenues from key players (Alphabet (Google), Microsoft (Bing), Baidu, Amazon, Alibaba, etc.). Followed by the bottom-up approach, we justify global, country, and region results using web traffic and the number of app downloads. Lastly, we distribute the results to each country individually with relevant indicators such as GDP, internet users, and digital consumer spending by country.

    Forecasts:

    We use a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the market. For instance, the S-curve function is well suited to forecast digital products due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption, whereas exponential trend smoothing (ETS) is more suited for projecting steady growth in traditional advertising markets.

    Additional notes:

    Data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice per year in case market dynamics change.

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    Search Advertising: market data & analysis - BackgroundSearch Advertising: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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