According to a survey conducted by Politrack, Homa Bay and Narok counties have been recognized as the top performers in public financial management for the financial year 2023/2024.
Homa Bay achieved the highest score at 82 percent, followed by Narok with 80 percent, and Uasin Gishu with 78 percent. Kakamega also scored 78 percent, while Samburu completed the top five with 74 percent.
Murang’a and Isiolo both scored 74 percent, Turkan and Siaya had 72 percent, and Mombasa rounded out the top 10 with good public finance management.
Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, and Tharaka Nithi scored 68 percent, while Nyamira, Meru, Kirinyaga, and Baringo scored 66 percent. Wajir, Nandi, Vihiga, and Kisumu each had a score of 64 percent.
Kajiado and Buasia received 62 percent, Kisii and Trans Nzoia 60 percent, and Laikipia, Tana River, Embu, and Mandera had 58 percent. Makueni and Kiambu scored 56 percent.
Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Garissa had 54 percent, Migori and Kitui 50 percent, West Pokot 48 percent, and Kericho and Kwale scored 46 percent. Bomet and Nairobi both received 42 percent.
Marsabit and Taita Taveta scored 40 percent, Machakos and Kilifi 38 percent, Bungoma 43 percent, and Lamu was last with a score of 32 percent.
The study, conducted from August 23 to August 27, 2024, across all 47 counties in Kenya, aimed to assess public perceptions of county financial management and was driven by the public’s demand for greater administrative accountability.
The evaluation covered five key performance indicators, with each scored on a scale of 1-10 points. These indicators included Own Source Revenue Collection, Overall Absorption Rate (using secondary data), Timely Salary Disbursement, Leadership & Governance, and Public Participation (using primary data).
The aggregate score was calculated as a percentage of the total possible points (50), with data gathered from 3,000 respondents, 47 Finance & Economic CECM, and 94 county government employees. Secondary data was sourced from the Office of the Controller of Budget (OCOB) and Auditor General’s reports.
