Kenya has been ranked the best regulated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market in Africa, according to the latest ICT Regulatory Tracker released by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations agency. Kenya scored 93 out of 100 points, improving from its previous score of 92, and was placed 20th globally out of 194 countries assessed.
This recognition underscores the country’s significant strides in digital governance and regulatory maturity. Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Steve Isaboke, hailed the ranking as a strong endorsement of the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) efforts in steering the nation’s digital transformation. “This ranking is a clear testament of the excellent work that CA has done in spearheading Kenya’s digital transformation and driving digital access for all,” said Isaboke.
Nigeria and South Africa followed Kenya in the continental rankings with 92 and 88 points respectively. Other African countries in the top ten included Malawi, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
CA Director General David Mugonyi noted that the recognition comes as the Authority prepares to celebrate its silver jubilee next month. “Our facilitative regulatory regime has enabled connectivity across the country, enabling consumer choice and access to ICT services for citizens and businesses,” he said.
Globally, Italy topped the list with a perfect score of 100, followed by Lithuania (99.5), and Finland and Ireland (both scoring 99). The ICT Regulatory Tracker is a globally recognized, evidence-based tool that measures the strength of national regulatory frameworks based on their ability to support competitive, inclusive, and forward-looking ICT environments.
Kenya’s ICT framework was rated at the advanced fourth-generation (G4) level — the highest level — recognizing its robust, adaptive, and inclusive approach to ICT regulation. This G4 classification reflects Kenya’s success in creating an environment that balances innovation, consumer protection, and market growth.
As Kenya continues to invest in its digital future, this latest global recognition signals its growing stature as a regional ICT powerhouse and a model for progressive digital policy in Africa.
