Kenya's rating has dropped drastically in a new report on peace.

Among 140 countries, Kenya is positioned 119, with the report citing post-poll violence and high level of organised crime.

The Global Peace Index states: "It's broadly the result of a large rise in the measure of internal conflict which arose in late December 2007 following the very close result of the presidential and parliamentary elections...

"It reflected high rates of homicide and violent crime and the ready availability of small arms and light weapons as well as an unstable political scene."

But even before the disputed poll, Kenya was poorly rated, at position 91 in a similar survey of 121 countries carried out in 2006 and released last year.

This was attributed to high crime rates.

Besides post-poll violence, 2007 was marked by deadly incursions by outlawed groups like the outlawed Mungiki sect and the Sabaot Land Defence Force.

In compiling the report, experts who conducted the survey also analysed Kenya's record of good governance, infant mortality, wealth and health of citizens, education, relation with its neighbours as well as hostility to foreigners.

Other factors considered include electoral process, civil liberties, gender inequality, press freedom, corruption perceptions, democracy and functioning of the Government.

Nineteen other African countries were ranked ahead of Kenya. Ghana, at position 40, was the highest-ranked in the continent.

According to the index, Iceland, Denmark and Norway are most at peace. Other countries in the top ten include Japan, Ireland, Portugal, Finland and Austria.

Iraq, rising from dictatorial rule and an invasion by the United States and allies, is the least peaceful in the world.

Second from last is Somalia, closely followed by Sudan, Afghanistan, Israel  and Chad. Central African Republic is also in the bottom 10.

East Africa

Russia, Lebanon, Colombia and North Korea are also in the bottom category.

The United Kingdom and the United States are ranked 49 and 97, respectively.

Tanzania got the best rating in East Africa at position 58 while Uganda was ranked 114 and Rwanda 76.

Key considerations used to rank Kenya were acquired from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The Index was compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace based in Australia. Author: Fred Mukinda
Source: Daily Nation
Released: 23 May 2008