Kenya has dropped to position 113, one position down from its previous ranking, out of a survey of 167 countries in the recently released 2020 Prosperity Rankings carried out by Legatum Institute.
The fall was attributed to key areas such as political related terror and violence which haunted the country's economic scope thus dragged Kenya's rankings in the annual survey.
Other areas include freedom of assembly and association, freedom of speech and access to information, personal and family relationships and social networks.
Despite the drop, Kenya made notable gains in economic stability, property rights and investor protection. Additional gains were also seen in civil and social participation, and the creation of a conducive environment for business creation.
The international body carries out an annual survey that assesses how a country's residents might flourish in light of its economic and social well being. Metrics such as personal freedom, safety and security, investment environment, social capital and governance are taken into consideration when ranking the countries.
The overall ranking was, however, hindered this year by the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic which threatened to wipe out the prosperity gains made by the countries in light of the economic stability.
“The emergence of the coronavirus has put all these areas under considerable strain, and the historic improvements are now at risk. In addition, recent deterioration in prosperity, highlight that progress cannot be taken for granted and we must not become complacent.
"We must take care to ensure that these hard fought for gains are protected,” stated Dr Stephen Brien, the Director of Policy at the Legatum Institute.
Seven African countries emerged at the top 100 as nine African countries toppled Kenya to finish slots higher. Rwanda, which scooped position 104, emerged as the top ranked East African Country.
