NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1 – Kenya’s 2024 County Competitiveness Index (CCI) has revealed that widening infrastructure and governance gaps are undermining counties’ ability to grow economically, despite progress in key urban areas.
The report shows that poor roads, unreliable power supply, and weak digital connectivity continue to slow regional growth, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, and Murang’a scored highly due to stronger infrastructure, skilled labour, and better governance. Nairobi led with 77 percent, followed by Kiambu (73 percent), while Nyeri and Murang’a each scored 61 percent.
In contrast, Wajir (13 percent), Tana River (14 percent), and Marsabit (16 percent) ranked lowest, weighed down by poor infrastructure, limited human capital, and weak service delivery.
Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged counties to use the report as a planning and benchmarking tool.
“If you are a governor or county executive, this document tells you where you stand compared to your peers,” Kinyanjui said. “You can use it to benchmark, plan budgets, and allocate resources more effectively.”
The report recommends targeted investments in roads, energy, and digital infrastructure to enhance regional trade and productivity, saying this will help foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country.
