NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has been ranked as Africa’s best performer in information and communications technology (ICT) regulation, earning 93 out of 100 points in the latest global rankings by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The ranking places Kenya first on the continent and 20th globally out of 194 countries assessed by the ITU, a specialised UN agency that sets international standards for digital and telecommunications policy.
Kenya outperformed regional powerhouses such as Nigeria (92 points) and South Africa (88 points), which ranked second and third in Africa, respectively.
Other African countries in the continental top 10 included Malawi, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
Globally, Italy topped the list with a perfect score of 100, followed by Lithuania (99.5), and Finland and Ireland, which tied for third place with 99 points each.
Global Recognition for Kenyan ICT Policy
In a statement, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) said the recognition affirms the country’s leadership in digital regulation and policy innovation across Africa.
“This ranking is a clear testament to the excellent work that CA has done in spearheading Kenya’s digital transformation and driving digital access for all,” said Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Steve Isaboke. “At 25, CA’s regulatory regime has attained maturity and gained global recognition.”
Isaboke praised the Authority’s staff and leadership for their diligence and commitment to a regulatory model that promotes both innovation and inclusion.
The ITU’s ICT Regulatory Tracker evaluates countries based on factors such as the independence and effectiveness of their regulatory authority, the design of national digital policies, and the competitiveness of their telecommunications sector.
Fourth-Generation Regulation Model
CA Director-General David Mugonyi welcomed the news, noting that it comes as the agency prepares to mark its 25th anniversary next month.
“This recognition underscores our facilitative approach in enabling innovation, connectivity, and consumer choice across the country,” said Mugonyi.
According to CA, Kenya’s high score reflects its adoption of an advanced fourth-generation (G4) regulatory framework, which the ITU lauded for being both competitive and inclusive.
The G4 framework promotes technology neutrality, encourages public-private partnerships, and enables regulatory flexibility—critical elements in responding to a fast-changing digital landscape.
