The annual World Happiness Index, a global survey measuring the well-being and happiness of countries around the world, has released its latest findings, revealing a decline in Kenya’s happiness ranking for the second year in a row.
The report, published on March 21, 2025, shows that Kenya has dropped to 115th place out of 147 countries, falling from 114th in 2024. This marks a continued downward trend for the East African nation, which reached its highest-ever ranking in 2023 at 111th. The country’s previous position in 2022 was 119th.
Despite this decline, Kenya remains the happiest country in East Africa. It ranks ahead of its regional neighbors, with Uganda at 116th, Somalia at 122nd, Ethiopia at 132nd, Tanzania at 136th, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 141st. In the broader African context, Mauritius stands out as the continent’s happiest nation, ranked 78th globally.
However, Kenya’s happiness level continues to lag behind several African countries, including the Republic of Congo (100th), Namibia (103rd), Cameroon (104th), and Nigeria (100th). The report also highlights Zimbabwe and Malawi as the unhappiest African nations, with rankings of 143rd and 144th, respectively.
On the global stage, Finland remains the undisputed leader in happiness, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top of the World Happiness Index. Finland’s consistent ranking is attributed to its strong social support systems, high quality of life, and overall well-being.
Other countries in the top five include Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, all of which continue to maintain high standards of living and social welfare.
While Kenya’s ranking has seen a slight decline, its position as East Africa’s happiest country highlights the region’s challenges and the importance of continued efforts to improve social, economic, and political well-being for its people.
