Kericho County has been ranked among the top 10 best-performing counties in Kenya in terms of development spending. According to a report by the Controller of Budget, the county achieved a 71.70% development budget absorption rate in the 2025/26 financial year. This rate was achieved through the expenditure of approximately KSh 2.7 billion on development activities. The county's performance earned it a spot among the 10 counties that exceeded the 70% absorption threshold nationally.
Nationally, Kericho County's performance is notable, with Kilifi County leading all 47 counties with an absorption rate of 84.52%. Wajir County followed with a rate of 83.03%, while Mandera County recorded a rate of 80%. Meru County came in fourth with a rate of 79.04%, and Trans Nzoia, Kirinyaga, and Marsabit counties rounded out the top seven with rates of 73.94%, 73.89%, and 73.79%, respectively. Samburu County also recorded a rate of 71.70%, similar to Kericho County.
The Controller of Budget's report highlighted that combined development spending across all county governments stood at KSh 126.69 billion against a total development budget of KSh 233.69 billion. This reflects a national absorption challenge, with many counties struggling to deploy funds into productive development activities. The report identified high wage bills, mounting pending bills, stalled development projects, and expanding recurrent expenditure as persistent obstacles limiting counties' capacity to utilize their allocated funds effectively.
The Controller of Budget's report raised concerns about the financial health of county governments, noting that a substantial share of county resources is being absorbed by salaries, allowances, and operational costs. This leaves less room for capital investment in development projects. Many development projects across counties also remain incomplete, while unpaid obligations continue to accumulate. Despite these systemic pressures, Kericho County's 71.70% rate places it among a small group of counties that managed to direct a significant majority of their allocated development funds into actual expenditure.
Kericho County's achievement is significant, given the challenges faced by many county governments in Kenya. The county's ability to absorb a significant portion of its development budget is a positive indicator of its financial management and planning. However, the county still faces challenges related to high wage bills and pending bills, which need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development.
The report by the Controller of Budget provides valuable insights into the financial performance of county governments in Kenya. The data highlights the need for counties to improve their financial management and planning to ensure effective utilization of their allocated funds. By addressing the identified challenges, counties can enhance their capacity to deploy funds into productive development activities and achieve their development goals.
Overall, Kericho County's ranking among the top 10 counties in Kenya for development budget absorption is a notable achievement. The county's performance demonstrates its commitment to effective financial management and planning. With continued efforts to address the identified challenges, Kericho County can sustain its positive performance and achieve its development objectives.
Key points
- Kericho County achieved a 71.70% development budget absorption rate, ranking among the top 10 counties in Kenya.
- The county's performance was driven by the expenditure of approximately KSh 2.7 billion on development activities.
- The Controller of Budget's report highlighted high wage bills, mounting pending bills, and stalled development projects as key challenges facing county governments.
