The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Nairobi and Kiambu have emerged as Kenya’s leading county economies, while Wajir, Mandera and Turkana rank among the lowest performers, highlighting significant economic disparities across the country.
The findings are contained in the 2026 County Development Index (CDI) report, which identifies Nairobi as Kenya’s strongest county economy, followed by Kiambu, Nakuru and Mombasa.
Nairobi recorded a score of 0.96, with its Gross County Product (GCP) estimated at more than Sh4.1 trillion. This represents approximately 27.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Kiambu came second with a score of 0.89 and an estimated economic output of Sh819.8 billion. Nakuru followed with 0.87 and Sh771.8 billion, while Mombasa secured fourth place with a score of 0.84 and a GCP of about Sh711 billion.
Nyeri rounded out the top five, recording a score of 0.81 and an economy valued at approximately Sh265 billion.
According to the report, the leading counties benefit from diverse economic activities, better infrastructure, private sector investment and a wider range of employment opportunities.
Kiambu and Nakuru, for instance, gain from their proximity to Nairobi, alongside established manufacturing industries and thriving commercial activities.
Mombasa’s economic strength is largely supported by its role as the country’s principal port city, with manufacturing and services contributing approximately 75 per cent of its economic output.
“The top counties benefit from relatively diversified economic structures supported by manufacturing, commercial agriculture, logistics, wholesale and retail trade, education, tourism and professional services,” the report states.
Wajir, Mandera and Turkana Rank Among the Lowest
At the opposite end of the rankings, Wajir recorded the lowest score of 0.07, followed by Mandera at 0.09 and Turkana at 0.12.
Samburu and Marsabit also performed poorly, scoring 0.15 and 0.16, respectively. Garissa recorded 0.18, while West Pokot scored 0.25.
The report attributes the weak economic performance in these counties to limited industrial development, low investment, dependence on livestock production, high poverty levels and underdeveloped private sectors.
“Their low output reflects relatively small populations, limited industrial activity, low investment levels, dependence on livestock production and weak private sector development,” the report notes.
Beyond measuring the size of county economies, the CDI evaluates eight indicators, including economic output, contribution to national GDP, labour force participation, youth unemployment, economic diversification, poverty levels, multidimensional poverty and the business environment.
Other counties that performed relatively well include Meru, which scored 0.77, and Machakos, Murang’a and Uasin Gishu, which each recorded 0.76.
Report Calls for Investment and Economic Diversification
The study was conducted by the SDG Kenya Forum with support from the Gates Foundation. It highlights the connection between economic performance, job creation, household incomes, poverty reduction and overall living standards.
The report recommends that county governments develop economic diversification plans that build on their respective strengths.
It also calls for investment in agricultural value chains, agro-processing and manufacturing, particularly in rural areas with strong production potential.
Additionally, county administrations are encouraged to improve investment promotion strategies and business systems to attract private capital, especially in regions where economic opportunities remain limited.
Economist Samuel Kimote attributed the differences in county performance to factors including infrastructure, human capital and institutional capacity.
“The strongest-performing counties benefit from a combination of economic opportunities, infrastructure, human capital, institutional capacity and better service systems,” he said.
The report cautions that inadequate infrastructure can prevent counties from expanding economic activities, increasing revenue collection and improving public services.
Narok Leads in County Fiscal Management
Separately, the report’s fiscal management rankings placed Narok County at the top, with a score of 0.79, supported by strong revenue collection and budget execution.
Mombasa came second with 0.69, followed by Nyeri at 0.68. Nyamira recorded the weakest fiscal management score at 0.16. The report attributed its performance to a high wage bill, poor budget execution and limited revenue collection.
The findings highlight the differences between the counties’ overall economic strength and their ability to manage public finances effectively.
