Deloitte’s 16th annual Tech Trends report, which casts an eye on the tech trends for 2025, was blunt in its assessment of how big an impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have in our lives. “We propose that the future of technology is not so much about more AI as it is about ubiquitous AI. We expect that going forward, AI will become so fundamentally woven into the fabric of our lives that it is everywhere and so foundational that we stop noticing it.”
Stephen Ibaraki, founder of AI For Good, was even blunter in his appraisal on the sidelines of the October 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT), stating, “In the next five years, we are going to see the convergence of technologies such as neural networks, generative artificial intelligence, quantum computing, supercomputers, robotics, and the digitalisation of the physical world.”
Globally, tech watchers are keeping an eye on the use of tech in images, deepfakes and disinformation, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, connectivity via 5G and 6G, and drones.
The Safaricom Newsroom asked two Kenyan tech watchers – Nick Kanali and Mbugua Njihia – about the tech trends they thought would impact Kenyans’ lives in 2025. Their email responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Nixon Kanali is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of TechTrends Media | @NicKanali
https://techtrendske.co.ke/about-techtrendske/
- Integration Across Industries
In 2024, AI adoption took centre stage across different sectors. We should expect to see an even deeper integration of AI technologies across various sectors, from manufacturing to consumer goods. Beyond simply streamlining tasks, AI and automation will also reshape industries in Kenya by enhancing customer experiences, increasing efficiency, and raising service standards.
- Accelerated Use of Digital Assistants
Automation significantly impacts a company’s bottom line by reducing labour costs associated with manual tasks and freeing up human capital for more profitable or strategic activities. Expect to see increased use of automation or digital assistants like chatbots by Kenyan companies.
- Eco-friendly Practices
2024 saw several local companies unveil their sustainability reports showcasing how they are adopting green tech solutions – renewable energy sources and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. So, there will be a growing shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies in Kenya.
- AI Revolution in Fintech
A trend to watch out for in 2025 is the growth of fintech solutions. For example, M-Pesa turns 18 this year, so we expect to see the platform unveil new features to celebrate this milestone, offering innovative financial services that increase accessibility and convenience for users.
- Media Transformation
Meanwhile, for us in the media industry, we should expect to see Kenyan media companies embrace AI-generated media to enable publishers to create text, images, and videos at scale and help in fact-checking and distribution of news. Therefore, more hyper-personalised content should be expected based on users’ preferences as curated by AI.
- Rise of Satellite Internet
More Kenyans will shift to satellite internet, especially with satellite internet providers’ recent entry into the market. Local internet providers are expected to also jump onto this bandwagon either through partnerships with satellite internet providers or counter by unveiling more affordable internet plans.
Mbugua Njihia is a venture builder and solution architect who connects business strategy with technological execution.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbuguanjihia
- Data Capital: New Oil
We will see more Kenyan organisations make better use of first-party data to improve their customers’ journey with them. The privacy-first era is upon us, but I hypothesise that smart executives will explore partnerships/collaborations that enable them to use the data they hold in a way that builds value for the consumers.
- Stablecoins: A Quiet Revolution
It is a well-known secret that several Kenyan banks and mobile money operators are already experimenting with stablecoins in their innovation testing grounds. I believe we will see a few valuable use cases coming out to the market, albeit in the pilot phase, with trade facilitation as the anchor proposition.
- Media: The Long Tail
Traditional media players and digital-first innovators alike are seeking new ways to monetise content. Infotainment will take centre stage, driven by the need to cater to an increasingly digital and diverse audience. Social media has already proven its power to shape consumption patterns, but 2025 will see a rise in hyper-personalised content delivery underpinned by AI.
- Expect micro-billing models—where users pay tiny amounts for bite-sized content—and smarter advertising strategies that cater to niche audiences. The long tail of content consumption will be unlocked, empowering creators and redefining the media value chain.
