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 the 11th edition of the County Track Performance Index (2026) released Tuesday by the research firm, Infotrak Research and Consulting firm, 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 namely: Agriculture, Health, Education, Roads and Transport, Energy, Trade and Tourism, Housing, Water Management, Environment, Culture and Sports, Social Services and Planning.
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 (52 percent) and Trans Nzoia County (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, followed by Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembeya (76 percent) and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi (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. It is also worth-whilenoting that Murang’a topped in performance in all of the main devolved functions except in Agriculture and Energy.
On the other hand, 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, Chief Executive Officer (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. Good research never stops at celebrating success; it asks harder questions so that every Kenyan’s voice contributes to building a stronger republic,” 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.
However, he raised concerns over structural challenges, specifically delays in fund disbursements and the retention of devolved functions by national ministries.
“Devolution cannot be measured solely by budget spending or completed physical structures. Ultimately service delivery must be measured through the lens of the beneficiaries and their happiness index. Performance assessments should never be viewed as competitions, but as opportunities for peer learning, sharing best practices, and continual improvement across all 47 counties,” the Governor reiterated.
Addressing delegates after the presentation, civil society leaders and former public administrators weighed in on the survey findings, cautioning against celebrating average results when actual delivery remains well below expectations.
Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) Executive Director, Gladwell Otieno, noted that while public enthusiasm for devolution remains high, performance remains an issue of concern.
She pointed out that structural roadblocks at the national level are compounded by poor financial prioritization within counties.
“The support for devolution is there, but the actual performance leaves a lot to be desired. We have to be honest with ourselves: we are moving below par. The national government has persisted in its habit of dominance, but what are counties doing with the money they receive?
We see recurrent spending taking up the vast majority of resources, while development funding lags. Countless resources go toward the well-being of officials, new houses for governors and wellness centers for MCA’s, which is not necessarily bad, at the expense of ordinary citizens. We have a long way to go, and we can do much better,” Otieno lamented.
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. In my estimation, a performance ranging between 40 and 60 percent cannot take this great nation forward. Residents don’t eat buildings or roads; residents must be happy, and that happiness index is the true measure of success. As we approach elections, Kenyans must elect leaders who utilize public resources prudently and avoid those with bad track records,” urged Kisia.
He eventually echoed a statement made by Hon. Mike Pence of the US that, ‘Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
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.
By Ian Maina and Tonny Omollo
