Kenya falls five places in 2026 Global Peace Index
Kenya’s position in the global peace rankings has deteriorated, with the country dropping five places from 127th in 2025 to 132nd in the 2026 Global Peace Index, as insecurity, regional conflicts and growing economic vulnerabilities continue to weigh on its peace profile.
The country’s score also worsened from 2.392 to 2.447.
Kenya is ranked 33rd among 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which produces the index, says experienced a further deterioration in peacefulness during the year.
The report placed Kenya within a much wider and increasingly interconnected security environment in the Horn of Africa, where conflicts in Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan are no longer viewed as isolated crises.
“The Horn of Africa is no longer a set of separate conflicts,” the IEP noted, adding that the conflicts in Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan and Somalia “are now interlocked through every channel that causes conflicts to spread.”
The Horn, according to the report, is bedevilled by conflicts spreading through multiple channels at the same time. These include refugee and displacement flows, circulation of arms and combatants, illicit economies, rebel sanctuaries, cross-border ethnic ties, external state sponsorship and proxy warfare, transnational ideological networks, demonstrations and strategic emulation, as well as weak state capacity.
The report stated that whether a conflict crosses a border depends on the mechanisms activated, the density of cross-border ties and the resilience of neighbouring states.
“Whether a given conflict spreads depends on which mechanisms are activated, on the density of cross-border ties, and on the institutional resilience of neighbouring states,” it stated.
For Kenya, the implications are particularly significant because of its geographical position and its security involvement in the region. The report identifies Somalia’s continuing conflict as one of the principal channels through which insecurity spreads across the Horn.
Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group operating in Somalia, continues to conduct cross-border operations into Kenya and Ethiopia. The report estimates that the group generates between US$100 million and US$150 million annually through charcoal exports, port taxation and extortion, giving it the ability to finance its operations independently of external sponsors.
This means that the threat facing Kenya is not confined to conventional military conflict. The regional conflict system also encompasses the movement of people, money, weapons, fighters and ideology across borders.
The report also made another notable observation about Kenya’s role beyond its immediate borders. Kenya was among the countries involved in the largest number of external conflicts between 2020 and 2024, with the United States, Niger, France, Kenya and Chad each involved in eight or more external conflicts during the period.
The finding comes as the report records a broader internationalisation of conflicts. In the five years preceding the 2026 index, 103 countries were at least partially involved in an external conflict, compared with 59 in the 2003 to 2008 period.
Kenya’s overall peace score also masks different dimensions of insecurity. Its Societal Safety and Security score is 2.927, compared with 2.358 for Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict. The report assesses countries across three broad domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.
Regional instability
The wider regional picture is troubling. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded a 0.2 per cent deterioration in peacefulness in the 2026 index.
The region remains the third least peaceful of the eight GPI regions, with 23 countries improving and 21 deteriorating, and is now home to eight of the world’s 20 least peaceful countries, compared with five in 2008.
Sudan’s war was identified as a particularly important source of regional instability. More than 12 million people have been displaced by the conflict, while external actors and illicit economies have increased its severity. The war’s effects extend into neighbouring countries through refugee movements, weapons flows, political alliances and economic disruption.
With regard to the instability in Sudan, Kenya, alongside Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and the Central African Republic, was adversely mentioned, with the report saying that the listed countries “are believed to have supported the Rapid Support Forces at various points”.
South Sudan, for example, has received more than one million people from Sudan since the outbreak of the war in April 2023. The report said many are South Sudanese returnees who had previously fled their own country’s conflict, even as weapons continue to move across the Sudan-South Sudan border.
Ethiopia’s attempts to secure independent access to the Red Sea have contributed to heightened tensions with Somalia and Eritrea. The report noted that Ethiopia’s dependence on Djibouti for about 95 per cent of its international trade has made access to the Red Sea both an economic and strategic concern.
Against this already volatile backdrop, the report identified the Iran war as a new external shock capable of intensifying existing pressures in the Horn.
“The Iran war is a force multiplier for the spread of conflict and has amplified existing pathways by raising prices in import-dependent states, distracting Gulf countries supporting conflicts and highlighting the strategic importance of Red Sea ports.”
The conflict has disrupted maritime corridors and affected food and energy markets. The report said three existing mechanisms of conflict spread are particularly affected: Gulf states are changing their priorities, Red Sea maritime corridors have been disrupted, and food and energy price shocks are increasing fiscal pressure in import-dependent countries.
Kenya is particularly exposed because wheat accounts for roughly 24 per cent of cereal consumption, a level similar to Ethiopia and Somalia. During the Red Sea disruptions of 2023, food price inflation in parts of East Africa reached 30 per cent, illustrating how disturbances along regional trade routes can quickly affect households and economies.
The economic consequences could extend well beyond the price of food and fuel.
Gulf states, the report noted, supply about 45 per cent of global sulphur and 50 per cent of global urea. Reduced supplies following disruption caused by the Iran war could affect fertiliser availability during the 2026 planting season, with the resulting impact on harvests expected to emerge in the second half of 2026 and into early 2027.
For Kenya, this agricultural shock comes at a particularly sensitive time because of its external financing obligations.
The report also identified US$900 million in Kenyan external debt maturities in November and December 2026. Pakistan faces US$1.9 billion and Egypt US$2.3 billion over the same period, bringing the combined debt rollover requirement for the three countries to US$5.1 billion.
The timing is significant because the debt maturities coincide with the expected effects of fertiliser shortages on East African harvests. Kenya is also identified as one of the countries facing IMF programme reviews, at a time when food price pressures could complicate fiscal management.
The report described the simultaneous pressures from IMF reviews, harvest outcomes and debt refinancing in the second half of 2026 “as an unprecedented concentration of risk.”
For Kenya, the significance of the GPI assessment goes beyond the five-place fall in the global ranking. It presents a country facing overlapping pressures: insecurity linked to Somalia and the wider Horn conflict system, involvement in external security theatres, exposure to refugee and arms flows, and vulnerability to disruptions in Red Sea trade.
These security pressures are now intersecting with food, energy, debt and fiscal risks, further blurring the boundaries between security, regional conflict and economic stability.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.