Counties in Kenya: A concise guide to Kenya’s devolved regions

Introduction

Kenya is divided into 47 counties, created by the 2010 constitution to decentralize power and bring services closer to residents. Each county has its own government structure and develops plans tailored to local needs, from health and education to road maintenance and economic development.

The devolved system

County governments operate alongside the national government. They are headed by a governor and governed by a county assembly. The system is designed to enable local decision‑making while coordinating with national ministries on nationwide programs.

What Kenya’s counties are and how they work

Counties are the main administrative units for local service delivery. Their responsibilities typically include health services, county roads and transport planning, water and sanitation, agriculture and livestock development, trade licensing, and cultural affairs. They also manage local planning, environmental protection, and housing in ways that reflect local needs and priorities.

County governance at a glance

A county’s leadership typically includes:

• A governor (the chief executive)
• A county executive committee appointed by the governor
• A county assembly (the legislative body)

Key features of county governance include budget planning, service delivery targets, and oversight of county projects that are funded from both local revenues and national allocations.

A regional snapshot of the counties

Kenya’s counties vary widely in climate, population, and economy. Examples of regional contrasts include:

• Urban and economic hubs: Nairobi County and parts of Mombasa County.
• Coastal and tourism counties: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and others along the Indian Ocean.
• The Rift Valley and central regions: Nakuru, Kisumu (near Lake Victoria), Kiambu, and Kericho offer mix of urban centers and agriculture.
• Western and eastern regions: counties like Kakamega, Vihiga, Meru, Embu showcase agricultural and agricultural-processing activity.
• Northern and arid counties: Turkana, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa reflect arid climate and pastoral livelihoods.

This diversity means each county can pursue tailored development plans, while collaborating on cross‑border and national initiatives.

Notable regional contrasts

While every county is unique, common themes include population density differences, varying levels of road infrastructure, and distinct cultural and linguistic landscapes across regions.

County governance in brief

County governments exist to bring services closer to residents and align with national development goals. They work with the national government on shared programs and are funded through local revenues and national allocations.

Key roles and services

• Health services and facilities
• Local roads and transport planning
• Water, sanitation, and environment management
• Agriculture, veterinary services, and fisheries
• Trade licensing and market regulation
• Culture, youth affairs, and sports
• Urban and rural development planning

Where to learn more

For official information about county governance, one can consult the Council of Governors and the individual county government portals. These sources provide detailed data on county budgets, projects, and services.