Kenya

Summary
Kenya has substantially reduced its level of digital dependence, with its DDI value falling from 0.69 in 2010 to 0.56 in 2023. This categorises Kenya as being in the low-dependence group and as the least digitally dependent African country in our dataset. However, significant differences exist across dimensions. Dependence on trade in ICT goods (0.95 in 2023) and foreign platforms is particularly high, with the latter showing a sharp increase from 0.83 in 2010 to 0.91 in 2023. Conversely, dependence on ICT service trade is low and has decreased further over the study period, falling from 0.31 in 2010 to 0.11 in 2023.

Policies
While Kenya’s government initiated policies concerning cloud infrastructure such as the "Kenya Cloud Policy" from 2024, the country appears to focus on the topic of cybersecurity. Not only did Kenya set a five-year roadmap towards a resilient digital ecosystem with the "Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2027”, it also established the "National Cybersecurity Agency" in 2026. This agency shall act as an autonomous regulatory body to protect Kenya’s critical digital infrastructure.