County governments continue to face challenges in involving residents in decision-making, with the latest CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 showing public participation remains the weakest area of devolution.
Even so, Elgeyo Marakwet has held onto the top position nationally for the third assessment in a row, becoming the only county to attain the “good” performance band.
The report released by Infotrak Research and Consulting on Tuesday ranked Elgeyo Marakwet first with a score of 51 per cent. Although the county’s score dropped from 54 per cent recorded in both 2023 and 2024, it still remained ahead of all the other 46 counties.
Despite producing the country’s best performance, the report found that public participation continues to lag behind all other devolved functions, posting a national average score of 33.1 per cent.
“The weakest function in the index — only Elgeyo Marakwet (51%) reaches the good band, and most counties sit in the low 30s. At a 33.1% national mean, public participation trails every devolved county function. Only one of the 47 counties reaches the ‘good’ band of 50% and above.”
Makueni followed in second place with 48 per cent after dropping from 56 per cent in the 2024 assessment. Baringo ranked third with 46 per cent, while West Pokot scored 45 per cent to take fourth position. Migori completed the top five after recording 42 per cent.
Nandi and Samburu each posted 41 per cent, followed by Taita Taveta and Uasin Gishu at 39 per cent. Kisumu and Laikipia each scored 37 per cent, while Bomet, Homa Bay, Kericho and Murang’a tied at 36 per cent to complete the top 15 counties.
A screengrab of the Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 showing Elgeyo Marakwet ranked as Kenya's top-performing county in public participation. PHOTO/Infotrak
The report noted that Elgeyo Marakwet has now maintained the top ranking for three consecutive assessment cycles despite a slight drop in its overall score.
“Elgeyo Marakwet leads despite a dip. Down three points to 51%, it still holds first for the third straight cycle.”
CountyTrak 2026 also highlighted notable changes in county rankings between the 2024 and 2026 assessments. Laikipia registered the biggest improvement after climbing 32 places from position 42 to 10th. Migori moved up 25 places from 30th to fifth, while Bomet rose 23 places to joint 12th.
“Laikipia leaps 32 places. Migori reaches the top five from 30th to fifth — the single biggest rank gain anywhere in this report. Six counties gain 20 or more places, with public participation showing the sharpest movement of any measure.”
Across the regions, Elgeyo Marakwet emerged as both the Rift Valley and national leader with 51 per cent. Makueni led the Eastern region with 48 per cent, Migori topped Nyanza with 42 per cent, while Taita Taveta was the best-performing county at the Coast after scoring 39 per cent.
Murang’a ranked highest in the Central region with 36 per cent, Bungoma led Western with 32 per cent, and Wajir emerged first in the North Eastern region after posting 32 per cent.
According to the report, there was a 19-point difference between the country’s highest-performing regional leader and the top-performing county in North Eastern Kenya, pointing to continued disparities in public participation across regions.
The CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 assessed all 47 county governments using citizens’ views on service delivery and governance. The study compared findings from the 2023, 2024 and 2026 assessments to track changes in county rankings, scores and performance trends over time.
Public participation formed one of the key indicators measured in the nationwide survey and emerged as the lowest-performing devolved function despite improvements recorded in a number of counties.