Introduction
Kenya continues to emerge as a leading digital advertising hub in Africa. From regulatory changes and AI innovations to shifts in consumer behavior and platform dominance, the digital ecosystem is rapidly evolving. For advertisers and businesses, staying updated with these changes is critical to maintain relevance and drive performance.
In this article, we explore the major digital advertising trends and policy updates shaping the Kenyan market in May 2025.
- Kenya Launches Ambitious National AI Strategy (2025–2030)
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, unveiled its National AI Strategy aimed at guiding AI development across industries including marketing and advertising.
The strategy focuses on:
Digital infrastructure development
Data governance
AI commercialization
This move positions Kenya as a regional tech powerhouse and encourages businesses to integrate AI in campaign automation, personalization, and data analytics.
Source → Kenya News
At Analytt Digital, we’re already implementing AI-driven performance marketing solutions to boost ROI and campaign efficiency.
- New Excise Tax on Digital Ads for Alcohol and Betting
President William Ruto signed into law a 15% excise tax on digital advertising for alcoholic beverages and gambling platforms. This applies across platforms such as Meta, Google, and TikTok.
This move affects:
Budget allocations for digital campaigns
Ad content planning and timing
Compliance for agencies and advertisers
If you’re in a sensitive category, consult our compliance-focused digital strategy team for custom media planning and buying.
- Awaiting High Court Ruling on State Ad Placement Monopoly
A pending High Court judgment could reshape the government’s directive that state agencies advertise exclusively in The Star newspaper. The Law Society of Kenya has challenged this directive, arguing that it violates principles of fair competition and media freedom.
This ruling will influence public sector media buying strategies one of the services we offer under government advertising advisory.
- Kenya Named Fastest-Growing Internet Ad Market Globally
According to a recent report, Kenya’s internet advertising market is growing at a CAGR of 17.4%, the highest globally. Factors driving this growth include:
Increased smartphone penetration
Nationwide 4G/5G access
A digitally native youth population
Brands are investing more in digital strategies need help scaling your reach? Explore our data-driven campaign solutions.
- AI-Powered Content Marketing Gains Traction
Kenyan businesses are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai for:
Content generation
Chatbot automation
Predictive analytics
While AI boosts efficiency, it’s vital to keep content human-centric for authenticity and compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
Analytt Digital combines AI and expert copywriting to deliver impactful storytelling that converts.
- Video Content (Especially Short-Form) Dominates Engagement
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are becoming top engagement drivers. Brands are using:
Behind-the-scenes content
Tutorials
Trend-jacking formats
These formats are essential for storytelling and authenticity, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Need high-impact creatives for video-first platforms? Our creative studio is built for mobile-first storytelling.
- WhatsApp Commerce Is on the Rise
With deep integration with M-Pesa and other mobile tools, WhatsApp Business is now a key platform for:
Customer service
Product catalogs
Direct sales
This aligns with the broader shift toward conversational commerce in Africa.
Analytt Digital can help set up full-funnel WhatsApp commerce solutions for your business.
- Growth in Local Influencer Marketing
Kenyan brands are increasingly working with micro and nano influencers (5K–50K followers) who have loyal, niche audiences. Influencers using local languages and cultural references see better engagement.
Our influencer marketing services help brands connect with authentic voices and drive results through community-led campaigns.
- Upcoming Industry Event: Content & Advertising Connect – East Africa 2025
📅 March 25–26, 2025
📍 Nairobi, Kenya
The event will gather advertisers, broadcasters, and content creators to explore monetization, programmatic advertising, and cross-platform engagement.
Source → Broadcast Media Africa
We’ll be there! Want to connect or collaborate ahead of the event? Reach out to us via AnalyttDigital.com.
Conclusion: What This Means for Brands in Kenya
Kenya’s digital advertising space is undergoing massive transformation from regulation and taxation to content creation and platform innovation. For brands and agencies, this means more opportunity but also more complexity.
To thrive in this environment, you need adaptive strategies, compliant creatives, and smart tech.
At Analytt Digital, we specialize in navigating this complexity to deliver results that matter. Whether you’re scaling, launching, or repositioning, let us be your performance-driven partner in the Kenyan and African markets.