Kenya has become the second African country to be granted its own YouTube domain, as the site targets the nation's galloping growth in the number of Internet users.
YouTube, owned by Google, is a popular site among Kenyan Internet users. One channel, featuring music from Kenyan Ogopa DJs, has had over one million views since joining the site in May 2009.
Although YouTube does not break down its user numbers by country, 70% of its traffic comes from outside the US.
Internet usage has been growing sharply in Kenya. There are now more than eight million people - around 20% of the total population - connected. Online advertising is also on the rise.
Foreseeing continued growth and increasing numbers of visitors to the site, YouTube has moved to offer Internet users a platform that is specifically tailored to the interests of Kenyans.
A localised domain was launched in SA in May last year, but Kenya is the first country in the Horn of Africa to be specifically targeted by the company. “We are thrilled to be launching YouTube in Kenya,” said Olga Arara-Kimani, Google Kenya country manager.
“We have remarkable reserves of information right here in Kenya, from music, educational clips, news and self-help tips. With a new, localised version of YouTube, Kenyans will be able to connect and use this information more easily.”
Local relevance
The new site will make it easier for Kenyans to find material relevant to them, with content uploaded by Kenyan users given prominence. Search functions will be tuned to find predominantly Kenyan content.
“We have an active user community in Kenya with great local videos being produced, including content from professional content producers like Nation Media Group, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, HomeBoyz and Royal Media Services,” said Arara-Kimani.
“We want to provide a more locally relevant experience, and foster the growth of a local YouTube community within the greater global community.”
The move should offer more exposure to Kenyan users whose uploaded content can now be targeted at their chosen audience.
“YouTube opens up endless possibilities and gives people the power to broadcast themselves,” said Amani, a Kenyan artist. “It can help link your cause to potential partners, sponsors, but most importantly, it connects you with local and international fans around the globe.”
“As the Internet grows in Kenya, we expect the number of YouTube users to grow as well,” concludes Arara-Kimani.
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