Kenya has emerged as Africa’s top performer in information and communication technology (ICT) regulation, clinching the top spot in the latest International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ICT Regulatory Tracker with a near-perfect score of 93 points.
The ITU — a specialized United Nations agency for ICT — released its 2024 findings ranking Kenya first in Africa, ahead of Nigeria (92 points) and South Africa (88 points). The ranking places Kenya 20th globally out of 194 countries, a significant leap showcasing its advancing digital landscape. Italy topped the world chart with 100 points, followed by Lithuania (99.5), while Finland and Ireland tied for third at 99 points.
“This ranking is a clear testament to the excellent work that the Communications Authority (CA) has done in spearheading Kenya’s digital transformation and driving digital access for all,” said Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, applauding CA’s 25-year journey to becoming a globally respected regulator.
Isaboke noted that the recognition reflects “how diligently the CA staff and leadership are executing their work,” positioning Kenya as a regulatory force to reckon with in the fast-evolving ICT sector.
According to the ITU, the ICT Regulatory Tracker is an evidence-based tool used to assess the strength of national regulatory frameworks. It evaluates several components including the structure of the regulatory authority, scope of its mandate, regulatory environment, and the competitiveness of the market.
Crucially, Kenya’s regulatory regime has now achieved “Generation 4 (G4)” status — the most advanced classification — for its inclusive, tech-neutral and competition-friendly approach. The ranking reinforces the country’s status as a continental ICT innovation hub and a global benchmark for best practices.
David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority, welcomed the accolade as fitting recognition ahead of the regulator’s silver jubilee celebrations next month.
“This milestone not only honors our past achievements but also inspires us to build an even more connected and digitally empowered Kenya,” Mugonyi stated, highlighting the authority’s role in expanding access and consumer choice in ICT services nationwide.
Other African nations that made it to the continental top ten include Malawi, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Senegal, reflecting a growing regulatory maturity across the region.
