Mo Ibrahim, the founder and chair of the foundation at the news conference. The foundation is committed to supporting African leadership that will improve the economic and social prospects of the people of Africa.(PHOTO ESSAY: Release of the African Governance Index 2009 )

Nairobi — Kenya has dropped seven places in this year's Ibrahim Index of Governance.

The country ranked 22nd out of the 53 African countries. In 2007, the country ranked 15th.

The index, published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, measures the delivery of public goods and services to citizens by governments and non-state actors across 84 indicators of governance.

These governance indicators are grouped into four main categories: Safety and Rule of Law; Participation and Human Rights; Sustainable Economic Opportunity; and Human Development.

Kenya scored above the East African regional average of 46.9 and the overall continental average of 51.2.

It scored 53.3 on Safety and Rule of Law, 58.9 in Participation and Human Rights, 50.5 in Sustainable Economic Opportunity and 52.3 in Human Development.

Overall, Kenya's performance dropped from 59.3 per cent in 2007 to 53.7 this year.

Uganda is ranked 24th, while Tanzania is way ahead at 12th place.

The index aims at promoting good governance in the continent.

It also recognises excellence in African leadership by rewarding former heads of state who led their countries well.

The prize committee is chaired by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.

Last year's award of $5 million was won by former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano.

The announcement of the next winner will take place on Monday next week.

Mauritius tops the index with a total score of 82.8, while Somalia is last with a score of 15.2.