Nairobi: A sweeping majority of Kenyans believe devolution has transformed livelihoods across the country, even as persistent institutional inefficiencies and governance hurdles continue to challenge full implementation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 11th edition of the County Track Performance Index (2026) reveals that three out of four Kenyans (75 per cent) feel their counties are performing better today than before the inception of devolved governance in 2013. The national study, conducted between January and May 2026 with a sample size of 87,286 respondents across all 47 counties, evaluated county performance across 12 main devolved functions, including Agriculture, Health, Education, and more.
Murang’a County emerged as the overall national benchmark performer for the second consecutive cycle with a score of 54 percent, followed closely by Kiambu County at 52 percent and Trans Nzoia County at 50 percent. Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Uasin Gishu, and Kisii tied for fourth position with 49 percent.
In individual leader popularity and performance ratings, Murang’a Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata led county bosses nationwide with an 80 percent approval rating from residents. He was followed by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya with 76 percent and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi with 71 percent. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. tied for fourth position with 56 percent.
Among devolved functions, Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), and bursary allocations received the highest satisfaction score nationwide, averaging 50 percent. Environment and natural resources followed at 47.9 percent, while energy accessibility scored 44.6 percent. Conversely, access to affordable and quality health services recorded the lowest national average rating among core devolved functions at 42.5 percent. Murang’a topped in performance in all the main devolved functions except in Agriculture and Energy.
All six women-led counties, including Homa Bay, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Embu, Nakuru, and Kwale, ranked within the national top 25 overall, underscoring strong institutional performance under women leaders.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, INFOTRAK CEO Angela Ambitho emphasized that the research index is designed as a planning tool rather than a political ranking exercise. “County Track is not about winners and losers. It is about learning. The best-performing counties have lessons worth sharing, and the fastest-improving counties have innovations worth copying,” Ambitho stated.
Representing the Council of Governors (CoG), Tharaka Nithi Governor and CoG Vice-Chair, Dr. Muthomi Njuki acknowledged the feedback, reiterating that county leadership welcomes constructive evaluations to refine service delivery. He raised concerns over structural challenges, specifically delays in fund disbursements and the retention of devolved functions by national ministries.
Civil society leaders and former public administrators, addressing delegates after the presentation, cautioned against celebrating average results when actual delivery remains below expectations. Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) Executive Director, Gladwell Otieno, noted that while public enthusiasm for devolution remains high, performance remains a concern. She pointed out that structural roadblocks at the national level are compounded by poor financial prioritization within counties.
Echoing her sentiments, Philip Kisia of the People’s Restorative Justice Commission criticized national performance averages ranging between 40 and 60 percent, calling for firm sanctions against poor-performing leaders alongside rewards for high achievers. “Performance is about reward, but those who fail should be sanctioned,” urged Kisia.
Meanwhile, Infotrak Research Director Johvine Wanyingo confirmed that the finalized report will be distributed to county executive teams, civil society partners, and development agencies to guide county planning and budgeting cycles nationwide.
