Kenya ranks fourth in Africa for internet freedom, scores 56 globally

Nairobi, Kenya - As of 2026, Kenya has secured the fourth position among African nations in terms of internet freedom, according to Freedom House's annual Freedom on the Net report. The country has managed to achieve a score of 56 out of a possible 100, placing it at the 17th position globally. This ranking, titled "Seismic Shifts on the Global Internet," categorizes Kenya as "Partly Free," indicating that while the nation has made strides, significant challenges persist.

The report emphasized concerns surrounding online privacy, freedom of expression, and the infringement on digital rights.

Among the eight African countries evaluated, Kenya trailed behind South Africa, Ghana, and The Gambia. The assessments covered an extensive range of countries across six regions, focusing specifically on the period between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Of these 38 countries, 16 recorded declines in internet freedom, while eight saw improvements during this assessment period.

Freedom House's report revealed that global internet freedom had dipped for the 16th consecutive year. This decline is attributed to governments tightening their grip on online information, implementing stringent controls over digital platforms, and enacting regulations that could undermine both privacy and the freedom of expression.

In the specific context of Kenya, the report underscored the role of social media in mobilizing citizens to organize demonstrations. These protests, marking the first anniversary of the #RejectFinanceBill protests, were a stark demonstration of citizens' desire for justice following the deaths of June 2024. However, these demonstrations were met with a heavy-handed police crackdown, highlighting the government's reluctance to tolerate dissent.

The report also highlighted the potential threats posed by internet shutdowns, connectivity restrictions, and increased government control over internet service providers. These developments could significantly limit access to information, further compromising the nation's internet freedom.

In response to these challenges, Freedom House issued a warning to both governments and technology companies. The organization called for a collaborative effort to safeguard online privacy and ensure unrestricted access to information. Simultaneously, it cautioned against measures aimed at curbing online harms, urging that such efforts should not inadvertently infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Countries that scored between 70 and 100 points were classified as "Free," those between 40 and 69 as "Partly Free," and those below 40 as "Not Free."