Most popular Android & iOS mobile apps in Kenya in 2023 [Pulse Picks]

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, the popularity of smartphones has ushered in an era where our daily lives are intricately woven with the fabric of mobile applications.

These digital tools have become indispensable, transforming the way people communicate, work, and find entertainment. At the forefront of this digital revolution are the most downloaded mobile apps, shaping the way Kenyans navigate the modern world.

As smartphones serve as gateways to an expansive digital universe, the most downloaded apps offer unique insights into societal trends, preferences, and the evolving demands of a tech-savvy Kenyan population.

From social media behemoths that connect friends and family across continents to productivity tools that redefine the concept of workspaces, the mobile app landscape is a dynamic ecosystem reflecting desires for connectivity, convenience, and creativity.

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Here are 2023's most downloaded mobile apps on Android:-

Most downloaded social media apps in 2023

1. WhatsApp Business
2. WhatsApp Messenger
3. TikTok Lite
4. Snapchat
5. Instagram Lite
6. Facebook Lite
7. Telegram
8. TikTok
9. Instagram
10. Facebook

Most popular business & finance apps for Android

In 2023, the popularity of mobile loan apps grew exponentially among Kenyans. A little-known developer, My Wage Pay, received multiple downloads of its two loan apps emerging as one of the most popular developers on Android.

Here is a list of other popular business and finance apps among Kenyan Android users:-

1. Odi bets Betting app
2. JUMIA Online Shopping
3. KeCredit loan up to KSh 50,000 by My Wage Pay
4. M-PESA
5. FairKash+: Fast Cash up to 60K - 15 by My Wage Pay
6. Zenka Loan App
7. LOOP - NCBA
8. My Airtel
9. Equity Mobile
10. Alibaba.com - B2B marketplace
11. M-PESA for Business
12. Tala: Get Cash up to KSh 50000
13. MySafaricom App
14. M-KOPA

Most popular tools & productivity apps in Kenya

This year saw Kenyans download multiple apps to assist with video downloads on Android. An interesting observation was also in the world of artificial intelligence where ChatGPT emerged as one of the most downloaded productivity apps for Android users.

1. NIV Bible Offline - Holy Bible
2. Xender - Share Music Transfer
3. Opera Mini: Fast Web Browser
4. MovieBox - Asian Drama, HD Movies
5. Football League 2023
6. Real Car Driving: Race City 3D
7. Phone Tracker and GPS Location
8. Status Saver - WA Downloader
9. Truecaller: Caller ID & Block
10. ChatGPT
11. Netflix
12. Firefox Fast & Private Browser
13. Football Scoreboard-Live Score
14. Tubidy : MP3 Music Downloader
15. Bible Offline - KJV Holy Bible

Most popular iOS apps downloaded by Kenyans this year

Similar to Android users, WhatsApp was the most downloaded social media app among Kenyan iOS users followed by TikTok.

1. WhatsApp
2. TikTok
3. YouTube
4. Instagram
5. Telegram
6. Snapchat
7. Facebook
8. WhatsApp Business
9. Messenger
10. Spotify
11. Pinterest
12. X
13. Threads
14. TikTok Lite
15. Shazam

Most downloaded business & finance apps among iOS users in Kenya

iOS users in Kenya downloaded several ride-hailing apps as well as shopping apps in 2023. Here is a list of the most popular business and finance apps:-

1. M-Pesa App
2. Uber
3. Bolt
4. MySafaricom App
5. Faras
6. Glovo
7. 1xBet
8. Alibaba.com B2B Trade App
9. Jumia
10. Betika
11. MAF Carrefour Online Shopping

Most popular tools & productivity iOS apps in 2023

1. Google
2. CapCut Video Editor
3. Google Chrome
4. GMail
5. Google Maps
6. Google Photos
7. Football TV Live streaming
8. Netflix
9. Truecaller
10. Xender
11. ChatGPT
12. Google Drive
13. Zoom