The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Kenya has been ranked fourth in Africa and 17th globally for internet freedom, scoring 56 out of 100 in the 2026 Freedom on the Net report by Freedom House.
The report, titled Seismic Shifts on the Global Internet, classified Kenya as “Partly Free”, citing concerns over online privacy, freedom of expression and the protection of digital rights.
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Kenya was ranked behind South Africa, Ghana and The Gambia among the eight African countries assessed in the report, which examined internet freedom in 38 countries across six regions.
The assessment covered the period from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. During this period, 16 countries recorded a decline in internet freedom, while eight registered improvements.
Freedom House said global internet freedom had deteriorated for the 16th consecutive year, as governments tightened control over online information, increased restrictions on digital platforms and introduced regulations that could undermine privacy and freedom of expression.
Concerns over digital rights in Kenya
In its assessment of Kenya, Freedom House highlighted the role of social media in mobilising young people to participate in demonstrations marking the first anniversary of deaths linked to the June 2024 #RejectFinanceBill protests.
The demonstrations sought justice for those who lost their lives during the protests. However, the report cited a crackdown and police brutality during the commemorative events.
The organisation also warned that internet shutdowns, restrictions on connectivity and increased government control over internet service providers could undermine public access to information.
It urged governments and technology companies to safeguard online privacy and ensure people can access information freely.
Freedom House further cautioned against introducing measures to address online harms in ways that unnecessarily restrict freedom of expression.
How internet freedom is measured
Freedom House assesses internet freedom using a scoring system ranging from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating greater protection of digital rights and online freedoms.
Countries scoring between 70 and 100 are classified as “Free”, while those scoring between 40 and 69 fall under “Partly Free”. Countries with scores below 40 are classified as “Not Free”.
Kenya’s score of 56 places it in the “Partly Free” category, reflecting continuing concerns about the protection of digital rights even as the country remains among the better-ranked African nations in the assessment.
