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Kenya ranked among Africa’s top 10 for digital rights freedoms as film highlights internet freedom struggles in Africa
Kenya has been ranked among the top 10 African countries in a newly introduced Digital Rights Score Index as part of the 2024 Londa report released by the pan-African digital rights organisation Paradigm Initiative (PIN), assessing their compliance with key human rights elements
The report, unveiled at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in Lusaka, Zambia, evaluates the state of digital rights and freedoms across 27 African nations.
South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Namibia, and Rwanda lead the index, with Nigeria, Senegal, Malawi, Tunisia, and Kenya completing the top 10.
The ranking is based on countries’ compliance with key human rights principles outlined in the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
However, despite its top 10 placement, the report highlights Kenya’s regression in promoting open internet access.
Kenya was among several countries, alongside Comoros, Mauritius, and Mozambique, cited for implementing government-imposed internet shutdowns in 2024.
“The marked increase in internet shutdowns is a reflection of the reluctance of some African countries to comply with international human rights law,” the report states, warning that such actions undermine freedom of expression and access to information.
The Londa report also highlights other concerning trends, including high data costs that disproportionately affect women, the criminalisation of false news contrary to global standards, and the lack of legal frameworks addressing online gender-based violence.
It notes that while child protection laws exist, many African nations lack policies specifically safeguarding children online.
Short Film: Whispers in the Wires
In a creative effort to raise awareness, Paradigm Initiative premiered a short film titled Whispers in the Wires at DRIF.
The film, based on findings from the 2023 Londa report, explores the impact of digital rights violations across the continent. It is the fifth short film released by the organisation as part of its advocacy work.
Held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka from April 29 to May 1, DRIF 2025 attracted more than 1,300 participants from 65 countries, including policymakers, civil society leaders, tech innovators, and representatives from international organisations.
Themed “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” the forum featured 122 sessions and was hosted by Paradigm Initiative in partnership with local and international organisations.
DRIF continues to serve as a platform for critical dialogue on digital inclusion, data protection, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
The forum also saw the launch of “The PIN Story: A Work in Progress”, a book chronicling the journey of the Lagos-based organisation from a small cybercafé to a continent-wide digital rights movement.
