Murang’a County has emerged as the best-performing county in Kenya, particularly excelling in education and several other devolved functions, according to the 2026 CountyTrak Performance Index by Infotrak Research and Consulting.

The survey, conducted between January and May 2026, assessed 12 core county government functions across all 47 counties, using 33 key performance indicators and five approval rating questions. Education topped the list with a 50.1% performance score, followed by environment and natural resources at 47.9%, and energy at 44.6%.

County Performance Highlights

  • Murang’a County scored 54% overall, ranking highest nationally.
  • Kiambu County followed at 52%, with Trans Nzoia at 50%.
  • Other top performers included Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu at 49%.

Murang’a also led in key sectors such as health, water management and sanitation, housing, lands and settlement, culture and sports, social services, and county planning and development. Kiambu shared the top position with Murang’a in education, both scoring 61%. Trans Nzoia led in agriculture with 60%, while Murang’a and Trans Nzoia tied in environment and natural resources at 55%.

Survey Methodology and Insights

The survey sampled 36,200 respondents across 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards, employing Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) and data analysis through SPSS. Respondents rated county performance on a scale from 1 (extremely poor) to 10 (excellent).

Notably, 75% of Kenyans believe their counties have improved since devolution began in 2013, marking the highest positive rating since the survey’s inception. Half of the respondents rated current county administrations as better than those elected between 2017 and 2022.

Factors Influencing Citizen Ratings

The report highlights that citizens evaluate county governments based on:

  • Delivery on campaign promises
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Visible development projects
  • Management of public resources
  • Accessibility and public engagement of leaders

Citizens compare leaders' public commitments with tangible outcomes and value ongoing effort and communication, even if all promises are not immediately fulfilled. Transparency, including clear explanations of resource use and responsiveness to public scrutiny, is a key driver of confidence.

Visibility of leadership activities through media, social platforms, and direct community interaction also significantly impacts public perception.