How AI and convenience are changing the way Kenyans shop for technology
By Trizer Lijondo, September 12, 2026Technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday life, but consumers are increasingly looking beyond flashy features and complicated gadgets. Instead, many are seeking technology that saves time, reduces effort and fits naturally into their routines.
The shift comes as people deal with busy schedules, rising costs and an overwhelming number of digital choices. A 2026 NIQ consumer technology report found that buyers are becoming more selective, with greater interest in products that offer clear utility, convenience, durability and long-term value.
Convenience is the real selling point
For many users, the appeal of new technology is no longer simply having the latest device. It is about what that device can actually do to make everyday tasks easier.
Smartphones, for example, are increasingly being used as central hubs for communication, entertainment, shopping, payments and other services. AI-powered tools can also handle tasks such as summarising information, translating text, editing photographs and helping users find information more quickly.
In Kenya, this shift is already visible in digital shopping. A June 2026 Visa study found that 89 per cent of Kenyan consumers had used AI to assist with shopping, while 91 per cent said AI-powered tools make online shopping faster and easier.
The growing preference for convenience also extends beyond phones. Connected home devices, wearables and smart appliances are increasingly expected to work together rather than operate as separate pieces of technology.
Less complexity, more useful features
The growing demand for simpler technology does not necessarily mean consumers want fewer features. Instead, they want features that solve real problems without requiring them to learn complicated systems.
AI is increasingly being built directly into everyday devices, allowing users to access assistance without necessarily opening a separate application or learning a new platform. NIQ notes that consumers are particularly interested in technology that reduces effort, improves efficiency and offers practical benefits such as longer battery life and easier operation.
This could influence what future gadgets look like. Rather than competing only through bigger screens, faster processors or more cameras, technology companies may increasingly focus on making devices feel more intuitive.
For consumers, the ideal technology may ultimately be the kind that does more work in the background while demanding less attention from the person using it.