Nairobi: A United Nations agency has ranked Kenya’s ICT regulatory ecosystem as the most progressive in Africa. According to the latest edition of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ICT Regulatory Tracker, Kenya scored 93 points, an improvement from the 2023 rating of 92, taking the lead in Africa in best practice ICT regulation.
According to Kenya News Agency, a statement to newsrooms indicates that Nigeria and South Africa came second and third with 92 and 88 points respectively, while Malawi, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Senegal made it to the top 10 list. Globally, Kenya was ranked 20th out of 194 countries covered, with Italy topping the list at 100 points, followed by Lithuania at 99.5. Finland and Ireland tied in third position with 99 points. The ITU, a specialised UN agency for ICTs, considered the design of the national regulatory authority, the breadth of the regulatory mandate, the prevailing regulatory regime, and the robustness of the competition framework in ITU member countries.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary (PS) Stephen Isaboke commented that this ranking is a testament to the work that the Communications Authority (CA) has done in spearheading Kenya’s digital transformation and driving digital access for all. He noted that at 25, CA’s regulatory regime has matured and gained global recognition. “This ranking shows that CA staff and leadership are executing their work diligently,” said Isaboke.
The ICT Regulatory Tracker serves as an evidence-based tool for decision-makers and regulators, highlighting the strength of regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The ITU further rated Kenya’s ICT regulatory framework at the apex level of advanced fourth generation (G4), acknowledging the country’s competitive and inclusive ICT regulatory framework.
This achievement underscores Kenya’s position as a leader in ICT regulation and innovation in Africa, a testament to the Government’s commitment to creating a robust, technology-neutral regulatory environment that supports innovation, affordability, and access. Upon receiving the news, CA Director General David Mugonyi stated that the recognition comes at a time when CA is preparing to commemorate its silver jubilee anniversary next month as the national ICT regulator. CA’s facilitative regulatory regime has enabled connectivity across the country, promoting consumer choice and access to ICT services for citizens and businesses.
