Kenya has emerged among the most generous and welcoming countries to strangers globally, however, if you were to lose your wallet you are unlikely to get it back, the annual World Happiness Index 2025 has revealed.
The report says that Kenya is among the top 10 globally with a strong culture of generosity in helping strangers.
However, it contrasts this with a significantly lower ranking in charitable donations and institutional trust.
The findings suggest that while Kenyans are quick to assist those in need, institutional mechanisms for accountability—such as law enforcement returning lost property—remain weak.
“Nigeria and Kenya, also in the top ten for helping strangers, provide a less extreme contrast, but still rank much higher for helping strangers than for donating. All five countries are near the bottom of the ranking for expected wallet return by police. People generally want to help others and are likely to choose the best means available,” reads the report.
The survey also shows that Kenyans defied the economic challenges and political discontentment to emerge as the happiest country in East Africa.
The global survey measuring the well-being and happiness of countries around the world revealed that despite leading in East Africa, there is a decline in Kenya’s happiness ranking for the second year in a row.
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.
Kenya ranks ahead of its regional neighbours, with Uganda at 116th, Somalia at 122nd, Ethiopia at 132nd, Tanzania at 136th, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 141.
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.
