2024 Best Performing Counties and Governors

Murang’a County has secured the top spot in Kenya’s latest County Index conducted by Infotrak, garnering an impressive score of 52 percent in a survey carried out between November and December of the previous year.

The results, released on February 11, also recognize Governor Irungu Kang'ata as the best-performing governor, with a notable score of 68 percent.
Following closely behind, Homa Bay County achieved a score of 51 percent, while Trans Nzoia and Kirinyaga shared third place with equal scores of 48 percent. Kisii, Nyeri, and Kisumu counties each scored 47 percent, tying for fifth position.

The rankings showed that Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Makueni, Bungoma, Kiambu, and Lamu were ranked as the eighth best-performing counties, each obtaining a score of 46 percent. In terms of governance, George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay were recognized for their leadership, scoring second and third, respectively, with 64 percent and 61 percent.

Other notable governors who rounded out the top ten include Anyang' Nyong'o, Mutula Kilonzo, Wisley Rotich, Simba Arati, Gideon Mungaro, Mutahi Kahiga, and Kimani Wamatangi, whose scores ranged from 59 to 53 percent. Despite these commendable achievements, the survey reveals that the overall rating of counties has declined for a second consecutive year, falling from 70 percent in 2023 to 65 percent in the latest results.

Kilifi County is highlighted as the most improved, with Kiambu, Lamu, Samburu, and Mombasa also showing progress. Infotrak’s data indicates that many Kenyans attribute this decline in county performance to rising corruption, inadequate service delivery in critical sectors, and a lack of transparency and accountability. Respondents identified the management of public funds as a crucial factor in the evaluation of governors' performance.

Additional elements influencing governor ratings included transparency, accountability, the fulfilment of campaign promises, the initiation of development projects, and responsiveness to the needs of constituents.