Artificial Intelligence: 1,200 Kenyans use chatbots as confidants

According to a study published by the Nairobi-based consulting firm Nendo, generative artificial intelligence tools are increasingly viewed by Kenyans as trusted spaces. Out of 1,200 people surveyed, 46.3% admit to sharing topics with these tools that they keep secret from those around them. Even more striking, 72% of respondents state that they seek out AI for emotional support or to manage personal situations.

The survey highlights that this practice is particularly pronounced among young adults. Approximately 81.4% of users aged 25 to 34 use AI to obtain personal advice. This behavior is explained by the conversational nature of the interfaces, which allow for addressing relationship crises or complex dilemmas without the fear of being judged, at any time of the day or night, unlike traditional human interactions.

Although these tools were initially designed to automate administrative or professional tasks, the boundary between productivity and private life is becoming porous. Users, accustomed to soliciting AI to draft documents or plan projects, naturally extend these exchanges when they face personal difficulties. This fluidity of use transforms the algorithm into a constant and available interlocutor.

However, this trend raises questions about the reliability of the advice received. According to Nendo, more than half of those surveyed place high trust in AI for decisions related to their careers, finances, or even health. While chatbots offer an immediate response, they do not possess the emotional intelligence necessary to navigate the complexity of human relationships, thus exposing users to risks linked to potentially biased or inaccurate recommendations.

Our perspective

The growing adoption of AI as a confidant among Kenyan youth reflects a profound shift in social relations. While technological innovation is a lever for development, it must not replace the human solidarity that forms the foundation of our societies. For Africans, it is crucial to remain in control of these tools so that they remain levers of emancipation rather than substitutes for the richness of interpersonal exchanges.