This is Why Every Brand in Kenya Needs a Video Strategy in 2025!
I’ve seen firsthand how Kenya’s digital marketing space has undergone a rapid and undeniable shift, and video is right at the center of it all. As a media strategist working closely with growing brands, I can tell you: if you’re not using video, your message is getting lost.
Whether you’re running a start-up in Nairobi or managing a well-established brand in Mombasa, video is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Let me walk you through the key reasons why every Kenyan brand must adopt a solid video strategy in 2025, backed by local data, real insights, and future-forward trends.
Kenya’s Digital Explosion Demands Visual Content
Kenya is digitally buzzing. According to DataReportal’s 2025 Kenya Report, there are 68.8 million active cellular connections, that’s 121% of the population thanks to widespread multi-SIM use and rising eSIM popularity. Over 25 million Kenyans actively use smartphones, making mobile the dominant channel for content consumption.
In my daily work with clients, I’ve noticed that the mobile-first trend is shifting how we create and consume content. Kenyans are skipping long text and heading straight to visually engaging, short-form video. It’s fast, relatable, and gets the message across instantly.
Video Dominates Online Traffic in Kenya
Did you know that over 70% of Kenya’s total online traffic in 2025 comes from video content? (Fixit PR) That’s a staggering number, but not surprising when you consider the success of TikTok Kenya, where short videos boast 90%+ view completion rates.
This isn’t just about trends, it’s about what works. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram Reels, and Facebook are seeing explosive growth in video consumption. If you want to reach your audience, you need to go where their eyes are, and that’s video.
Kenyans Prefer Video for Learning & Discovery
As someone who frequently hosts storytelling workshops, I can attest to this truth: Kenyans love learning through visuals. Surveys reveal that over 70% prefer video when discovering new products or services (Brandstars).
That means explainer videos, product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and even behind-the-scenes clips can boost brand trust and recall. It also means storytelling is key. Local dialects, Swahili narration, or featuring real Kenyan experiences? That’s what resonates, and what drives action.
“We have all stopped scrolling to watch a funny Tiktok, an inspiring story, or a clever product demo. That’s the power of video, it grabs attention and stays in memory long after the screen goes dark.” Carlstic Digital
Video Boosts Brand Visibility, SEO, and Sales
Video is not just for likes and shares, it has a direct impact on business performance. According to BlueGift Digital, brands that use video marketing in Kenya report better:
- Brand awareness
- Customer engagement
- Conversion rates
- Website traffic
- Google rankings
What’s more, video content tends to have a longer shelf life, meaning it continues to attract leads and conversions long after posting.
In fact, research shows that short video marketing has a statistically significant impact on consumer purchase decisions, especially in retail sectors like supermarkets (IOSR Journal).
Short-Form + Long-Form = Higher Engagement
There’s a strategic mix to aim for. At Actuate Digital, marketers recommend blending short-form content (under 60 seconds) with long-form storytelling to capture both quick-scrolling youth and deep-diving professionals.
For example, short Reels can tease a product while a YouTube video explains how it works. I’ve used this combo with brands in agriculture and fashion, and the engagement numbers were undeniable.
Influencers & Authenticity Drive Trust
Kenyans trust Kenyans. That’s why micro- and nano-influencers are crucial in today’s video strategy. Platforms like Wowzi show how local creators are outperforming brand ads in both reach and credibility.
Add in user-generated content, real customer stories, and raw behind-the-scenes footage, and your brand feels more authentic and human. The result? More shares, more comments, and more conversions.
Cultural Relevance is Key to Virality
I always tell my clients: don’t just copy trends, localize them. The most shared and talked-about videos in Kenya are those that reflect our language, humor, values, and lifestyles. This includes content in Swahili, Sheng’, or even specific local dialects.
Videos that reflect authentic Kenyan stories outperform flashy corporate ads every single time. Just check out brands succeeding on TikTok Kenya with challenges, dances, and skits rooted in our daily life.
Future Trends
Looking ahead, the video space in Kenya is about to get smarter. Tools like AI-powered editing and AR integration are making high-quality video content faster and more tailored (BlueGift Digital).
We’re also seeing a rise in interactive content, think live streams, Q&A sessions, polls, and clickable stories. These formats boost community engagement and build lasting brand relationships.
“Short video marketing is a highly effective strategy for driving consumer purchase intentions … supermarkets that embrace personalized video content are better positioned to capture attention and convert interest into purchasing behaviour.”
— IOSR Journal on Marketing Impact
Final Take
As we wrap up 2025, it’s crystal clear: video is the most powerful tool Kenyan brands have to cut through the noise, build trust, and drive results. In e-commerce, agriculture, beauty, finance, or tech your story needs to be told on video.
From my own experiences and the data across platforms like Twiva, Growthpad, and Commken, the message is consistent: the brands that thrive are the ones investing in smart, localized, mobile-first video strategies.
So, let’s grab those cameras (or phones), write compelling scripts, and hit record. Your audience is already watching, now it’s time to give them something worth remembering.