Kenya climbs to sixth place in Africa’s digital rights ranking

Kenya climbs to sixth place in Africa’s digital rights ranking

Kenya climbs to sixth place in Africa’s digital rights ranking

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The report, regarded as the most comprehensive assessment of digital rights and inclusion in Africa, evaluated 29 countries across Central, East, North, South and West Africa

Kenya has climbed three places to rank sixth in Africa in the latest Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa (Londa) Report.
The ranking underscores the country’s growing influence in advancing internet freedoms, digital inclusion and technology governance across the continent.
The report, regarded as the most comprehensive assessment of digital rights and inclusion in Africa, evaluated 29 countries across Central, East, North, South and West Africa.

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Kenya improved from ninth position in the 2024 rankings to sixth place in the 2025 edition, placing it among the continent’s leading performers in the digital space.
According to the report compiled by Paradigm Initiative, South Africa retained its position as Africa’s leading digital rights-respecting country for the second consecutive year.
Ghana, Namibia, Senegal, Egypt and Zambia occupied the positions ahead of Kenya, while Rwanda, Malawi and Nigeria completed the top ten rankings.

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Kenya scored 37 out of a possible 60 points, representing a three-point improvement from last year.
The score places the country in the category of nations that are moderately compliant with international digital rights standards, although it remains below South Africa’s benchmark score of 47 points.
The report notes that Kenya continues to stand out for its vibrant media environment despite ongoing challenges facing journalists and media practitioners.
“Kenya’s media landscape is among the most vibrant on the continent, though journalists face harassment and intimidation, and press-freedom restricting laws remain on the books,” reads the report.
Within East Africa, only Kenya and Rwanda featured among the continent’s top ten performers.
Rwanda maintained its score of 36 out of 60, benefiting from strong infrastructure and e-government performance but recording weaker results in areas such as freedom of expression and arbitrary arrests.
Kenya was found to perform slightly better overall, particularly in judicial independence and emerging technology strategy.
Despite the improved ranking, the report highlights several areas requiring urgent attention.
It calls on the Kenyan government to halt internet throttling and disruptions during protests, review provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024, strengthen the enforcement capacity of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence.
The report also urges authorities to address the persistent digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Further recommendations include establishing harmonised regulations governing cross-border data transfers, data localisation and cloud service contracts to safeguard public and sensitive data under Kenyan law.
The report also advocates for expanded affordable internet access through increased investment in infrastructure targeting rural, informal and marginalised areas.
Named after the Zulu word “Londa,” meaning “to protect or defend,” the annual report serves as a benchmark for measuring progress and setbacks in digital rights protection across Africa.
This while drawing attention to emerging risks and opportunities in the continent’s digital transformation journey.

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