Homa Bay, Narok counties best in managing public finances last year – poll

 

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga

Homa Bay and Narok counties have been ranked as the best in managing public finances in the financial year 2023/2024, according to a survey by Politrack.

In the ranking, Homa Bay was the overall best with 82 per cent while Narok was second with 80 per cent and Uasin Gishu third with 78 per cent.

Kakamega county also had 78 per cent score in the poll as Samburu county closed the top five with 74 per cent.

Murang’a and Isiolo counties had a 74 per cent score, Turkan and Siaya had 72 per cent score as Mombasa county closed the top 10 best performing counties in good public finance management.

Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi has 68 per cent, Nyamira, Meru, Kirinyaga and Baringo 66 per cent, as Wajir, Nandi, Vihiga and Kisumu had 64 per cent score each.

Kajiado and Buasia counties scored 62 per cent, Kisii and Trans Nzoia 60 per cent, Laikipia, Tana River, Embu and Mandera had 58 per cent while Makueni and Kiambu recorded 56 per cent score.

Nyandarua, Nakuru and Garissa had 54 per cent, Migori and Kitui 50 per cent, West Pokot 48 per cent, Kericho and Kwale 46 per cent, while Bomet and Nairobi had 42 per cent.

Marsabit and Taita Taveta scored 40 per cent, Machakos and Kilifi 38 per cent, Bungoma 43 per cent and Lamu was last with 32 per cent score.

This study was done between August 23 and August 27, 2024 across all 47 counties in Kenya.

The study aimed to analyse public perception of county financial management. Its execution was motivated by the steady expressions by the public for administrative accountability

It evaluated all 47 counties based on five key performance indicators, where each indicator was scored on a scale of 1-10 points.

They include Own Source Revenue Collection and Overall Absorption Rate where secondary data was used, Timely Salary Disbursement, Leadership & Governance and Public Participation where primary data was used.

The aggregate score was calculated as a percentage of the total possible points (50)

Both Primary and Secondary Data was used, where Primary Data was obtained from a sample size of 3,000 respondents across the 47 counties, 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

by BRIAN ORUTA