Betting firms top February Google Search trends

Betting sites were the most searched items by Kenyans in the first two months of 2017, highlighting the hype surrounding sports gambling in the country.

“Google Search Trends that indicate search patterns over a period of time reveal that the betting craze continues to develop among Kenyans even as the National Assembly, through Gem Legislator, Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo attempted to legislate on gambling, gaming and lotteries without much success,” read a statement sent by Google.

Some of the betting sites that dominated this month’s searches are: Sportpesa, Elitebet, Adbet, Betin, Betika, Kwikbet and Betway.

Betin Kenya mobile betting anticipates increasing popularity in the weeks and months ahead, thanks to a promo code it’s offering.

“Additionally, Tucheze, a sports and casino betting brand operated by Afrobet Africa, which was launched in mid-February also drew attraction of many sports fans online. Over the last two years, the sports betting market in Kenya has grown tremendously, to the level of local betting houses sponsoring football teams that play in International leagues,” the statement added.

The other searches that made the top five list in Kenya, per the search engine, included:

Two Rivers Mall, the largest shopping mall in Sub Saharan Africa outside South Africa, which opened its doors on this year’s Valentine’s Day was the second most trending search. Set on over 100 acres and valued at USD 10 Million, Two Rivers Mall is a premier, mixed-use development facility located in Nairobi’s Runda area. The opening was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the mall plays host to several renowned international brands.

The former Governor of Nyeri County, Hon. Nderitu Gachagua came in third, after he passed on at the age of 64 while undergoing treatment in London, United Kingdom. His body arrived in the country on March 2 and he was laid to rest in his Nyeri backyard.

The fourth trending search was Eunice Njeri, a popular gospel songstress who annulled her marriage to fellow US-based gospel musician Isaac Bukasa. Njeri’s announcement was received with mixed reactions as the marriage was negated less than 24 hours after she walked down the aisle.

Valentine’s took the fifth position; many also looked for Valentines quotes to share with their loved ones.