Best Performing Counties and Governors in Kenya: An Analysis of InfoTrak Report

The latest InfoTrak County Index report, released on February 11, 2025, reveals the top-performing counties and their governors in Kenya. The survey, conducted between November and December of 2024, provides valuable insights into county governance, accountability, and public service delivery. In this article, we’ll explore the counties with the highest performance ratings, the top-rated governors, and the factors contributing to these rankings.

Top Counties in Kenya: Key Performance Metrics

The County Index report evaluates various aspects of county governance, including public service delivery, development projects, transparency, and accountability. The rankings are based on a detailed survey of Kenyan citizens who assessed the performance of their county governments.

1. Murang’a County: Leading the Pack

Murang’a County tops the rankings with an impressive score of 52%. Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who has been in office for a significant period, was also ranked the best governor in the country with a score of 68%. Murang’a’s success can be attributed to its efficient service delivery, sound management practices, and strategic use of data analytics, which Governor Kang’ata has championed through live dashboards.

2. Homa Bay County: Close Competition

Homa Bay County follows closely behind Murang’a with a score of 51%. The county’s leadership, under Governor Gladys Wanga, has been recognized for focusing on improving health services and infrastructure. The residents have applauded the efforts to improve local governance and reduce inefficiencies in service delivery.

3. Trans Nzoia and Kirinyaga: Tied for Third Place

Trans Nzoia and Kirinyaga counties are tied for third place with a score of 48%. These counties have shown consistent progress in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and education. Governor George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia received high marks, with a score of 64%, ranking him second in the country. His leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change in the county’s growth trajectory.

Other High-Performing Counties

Several counties also rank highly in the performance index, demonstrating strong governance and commitment to development. Below is a breakdown of counties in the top 10:

These counties have shown improvements in key sectors, such as infrastructure development, health services, and education, which contributed to their high rankings.

The Governors’ Rankings: A Closer Look

The leadership provided by the governors plays a pivotal role in the performance of their counties. In the 2025 survey, Governor Irungu Kang’ata of Murang’a emerged as the best-performing governor, with a high score of 68%. His ability to lead with transparency, accountability, and responsiveness has earned him praise from his constituents.

Top 10 Governors: Performance Breakdown

These governors have demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering on their campaign promises, initiating key development projects, and improving service delivery.

Factors Contributing to County Performance

The performance of both counties and governors is influenced by several key factors. According to the InfoTrak report, the following elements are central to achieving high rankings:

1. Transparency and Accountability

Transparency in the management of county resources and accountability in service delivery are critical for building public trust. Counties that effectively track budgets, utilize resources efficiently, and keep the public informed have shown improved performance in the rankings.

2. Effective Public Service Delivery

Efficient delivery of essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture is crucial for county development. Counties that prioritize these sectors and ensure effective implementation of projects have seen better ratings in the InfoTrak report.

3. Development Projects and Initiatives

Successful implementation of development projects, such as road construction, water supply systems, and healthcare facilities, significantly impacts a county’s performance. Governors who initiate and oversee impactful projects in their counties tend to receive higher ratings from the public.

4. Responsiveness to Constituents

Governors who maintain open communication channels with their constituents and respond promptly to public concerns are often rated highly. Accessibility and a focus on addressing local issues contribute to positive public perception and improved county performance.

The Decline in Performance: A National Trend

Despite the success stories, the 2025 survey also reveals a concerning trend: a decline in overall county performance. The national average for counties dropped to 65% in 2025, down from 70% in 2023. Factors contributing to this decline include:

• Increased Corruption: Corruption remains a significant challenge in many counties, affecting the efficient allocation of resources.
• Poor Service Delivery: Inconsistent and inefficient public service delivery in key sectors, such as healthcare and education, has contributed to dissatisfaction among citizens.
• Lack of Transparency: Some counties have struggled with accountability and transparency, leading to a decrease in public trust and overall performance.

Counties Showing Improvement

While many counties have seen a decline in performance, some have made remarkable strides. Kilifi County, in particular, has been recognized as the most improved county, followed by Kiambu, Lamu, Samburu, and Mombasa. These counties have worked hard to address issues such as poor governance and service delivery inefficiencies, resulting in their improved rankings.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Results

The latest InfoTrak County Index report highlights a mix of successes and challenges within Kenya’s county governments. While counties like Murang’a, Homa Bay, and Trans Nzoia have shown impressive performance, others are grappling with issues of corruption, inefficiency, and poor service delivery. The performance of governors plays a significant role in shaping the future of their counties, and leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and effective governance will continue to drive the success of Kenya’s devolved system of government.