Education has been identified as the best-performing devolved function across Kenya's 47 counties, according to the 2026 Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index. The sector achieved an overall score of 50.1%, surpassing all other county services evaluated.

The survey, conducted from January to May 2026, revealed that every county scored at least 50%, placing all within the "good" performance category. This marks a modest improvement from 46% in 2024, though it remains below the 55% recorded in 2023.

Top Performers and Regional Rankings

  • Kiambu and Murang'a tied for first place with 61% each.
  • Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet followed closely at 57%.
  • Taita Taveta ranked fifth with 56%.
  • Counties such as Makueni, Kwale, Nandi, West Pokot, Kisii, Kericho, and Uasin Gishu scored between 54% and 55%.
  • The lowest scores, at 50%, were recorded by Kilifi, Nakuru, Bungoma, and Bomet.

Regionally, Central Kenya led with a 54% rating, followed by Rift Valley at 49%, and the Coast region at 47%. Nyanza and Western scored 46%, Eastern 45%, while Nairobi and North Eastern regions tied at 41%.

Notable Improvements

  • Nandi climbed 24 places to rank 8th.
  • Machakos improved by 17 places to 19th.
  • Kericho rose 13 places to 8th.
  • Kajiado and Garissa each moved up 12 places to 31st.

Kiambu registered a significant 13-point increase from 48% in 2024 to 61% in 2026, propelling it from 29th to joint top position.

Survey Methodology

The CountyTrak Performance Index was based on responses from 36,200 residents across all counties, constituencies, and wards. The evaluation focused on perceptions of availability and quality of Early Childhood Development centres, technical training institutes, and the fairness of bursary distribution.

Data collection employed Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), with analysis conducted using SPSS. The index reflects public sentiment on resource management and service delivery rather than an audit of county expenditures.