NAIROBI, Kenya, June 17 – Kenya has risen three places to rank sixth in Africa in digital rights and inclusion, reflecting progress in internet governance, judicial independence and emerging technology policy, even as concerns remain over internet disruptions, data protection enforcement and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The latest Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa (Londa) Report 2025 places Kenya among the continent’s top-performing countries, with a score of 37 out of 60, up from 34 points and ninth position in the previous assessment. The ranking positions Kenya alongside Rwanda as the only East African countries in the continent’s top ten.
South Africa retained its position as Africa’s leading digital rights-respecting nation for the second consecutive year, followed by Ghana, Namibia, Senegal, Egypt and Zambia, with Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi and Nigeria completing the top ten.
The report, compiled by pan-African digital rights advocacy organization Paradigm Initiative, evaluates 29 African countries across indicators including access to information, freedom of expression, privacy protections and digital inclusion.
Despite the improvement, Kenya remains well below South Africa’s benchmark score of 47 out of 60, underscoring the challenges that continue to confront the country’s digital ecosystem.
According to the report, Kenya’s relatively strong performance is supported by its vibrant media environment and progress in digital governance.
“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.”
“The country’s score is 37 out of 60, which is a three-point improvement on last year’s performance, placing it as moderately compliant with international digital rights standards.”
The findings come at a time when Kenya is accelerating digital transformation efforts through expanded broadband connectivity, e-government services and growing investments in artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation.
However, the report warns that regulatory and policy gaps could undermine gains if not addressed.
Among its key recommendations, the report calls on the government to halt internet throttling and disruptions during protests, repeal contentious provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024, and strengthen the capacity of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to enforce privacy laws effectively.
The researchers also urged authorities to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, citing the rapid adoption of AI technologies across sectors and the need for safeguards that balance innovation with rights protection.
Beyond regulation, the report highlights persistent inequalities in digital access, particularly between urban and rural communities. It recommends prioritizing affordable connectivity infrastructure in underserved and marginalized regions to ensure broader participation in the digital economy.
The report advocates for harmonized rules governing cross-border data transfers, data localization and cloud service contracts, arguing that clear frameworks are necessary to protect sensitive public data while supporting digital trade and investment.
