Nyeri and Makueni ranked the most transparent counties in budget management survey
Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga addressing the awarding ceremony. Photos/Courtesy.
By WMW
Nyeri and Makueni counties have been ranked the top most transparent county governments in Kenya in the latest County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS).
The survey, conducted by Bajeti Hub, a Kenyan non-profit organization that promotes transparency, accountability and citizen participation in public budgeting, placed Makueni County first, followed by Nyeri, Nakuru, Busia and West Pokot in the top five positions nationally.
The findings were unveiled during the launch of the County Budget Transparency Survey 2025.
Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga welcomed the recognition, describing it as a testament to the county’s commitment to openness, accountability and prudent use of public resources. The county earned four prestigious awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s leading devolved units in public financial management.
It received accolades for producing the most comprehensive Annual Development Plan (ADP), the most comprehensive County Budget Review and Outlook Paper (CBROP), emerging as the second most transparent county in Kenya and attaining the highest score in the timely publication of budget documents.
According to the survey findings, Nyeri published seven out of the ten key budget documents required by law within the stipulated timelines and scored 88 out of 100 points on the availability of budget information to the public.
The report also highlighted the county’s consistency in making critical budget documents accessible to residents, a practice that has strengthened public oversight and accountability.
“Nyeri County has remained consistent in making key budget documents publicly accessible, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and citizen engagement,” the report noted.
The survey further showed significant progress in public participation within the county.
Nyeri’s score in this category rose sharply from 22 out of 100 in the previous assessment to 59 out of 100 this year, indicating improved efforts by the county government to involve residents in planning and budgeting processes.
Governor Kahiga said the improvement reflects deliberate efforts by the administration to ensure wananchi have a meaningful voice in shaping development priorities.
“We are encouraged by the progress made in public participation because development can only be sustainable when citizens are actively involved in decisions that affect their lives,” he said.
The County Budget Transparency Survey is regarded as one of Kenya’s most comprehensive assessments of county governments’ compliance with legal requirements on budget transparency.
The exercise evaluates the availability, accessibility and comprehensiveness of key budget documents that counties are required to publish throughout the budget cycle.
Bajeti Hub said the initiative seeks to promote open, inclusive and equitable public budgeting while ensuring citizens have access to information necessary for effective participation and oversight.
Nationally, the survey has documented steady improvement in county budget transparency over recent years, with counties publishing more budget documents and improving the quality of information provided to the public.
Bajeti Hub noted that transparency is critical in enhancing accountability, strengthening public trust and improving service delivery.
Governor Kahiga attributed Nyeri’s latest success to the collective efforts of county officials, stakeholders and residents.
“I commend our County Treasury and Economic Planning team, county staff, stakeholders and the people of Nyeri for their collective contribution to this achievement. This recognition belongs to all of us and affirms that our efforts to build a transparent and accountable government are yielding tangible results,” he said.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of awards earned by the county under Kahiga’s administration.
In 2023, the governor received the Leadership and Governance Award during the Diaspora One Voice Consortium Expo Gala in Washington, D.C.
Nyeri has also received recognition for excellence in the timely payment of employees’ pensions and the clearance of pending debts.
Additionally, the county’s finance team was ranked first nationally by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) for adherence to procurement laws and regulations.
Observers say the county’s consistent performance in transparency and financial management has positioned it among the best-governed devolved units in the country, particularly at a time when public scrutiny of county expenditure remains high.
Governor Kahiga said the county government would continue strengthening accountability mechanisms and ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently to improve the lives of residents.
“These achievements reaffirm our resolve to build a county government that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of its people. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure that every public resource is utilized effectively for the benefit of the residents of Nyeri County,” he said.
The recognition comes as county governments across Kenya face increasing pressure from citizens, oversight institutions and civil society organizations to demonstrate prudent management of public funds and improve public participation in budgeting and development planning.
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