Nairobi County has been ranked among the worst-performing counties in Kenya, with key sectors such as Health, Agriculture, and Trade recording some of the lowest scores, according to the Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index 2024. The report paints a concerning picture of service delivery, highlighting significant challenges that continue to plague the capital city despite its economic significance.
The survey evaluated counties based on multiple performance indicators, with Nairobi registering below-average ratings in various sectors. The county scored 33% in Agriculture, 36% in Health, 37% in Trade and Tourism, 39% in Culture and Sports, 39% in Planning, 41% in Water Management, 40% in Housing, 43% in Education, 43% in Environment and Social Services, and 44% in Roads. These figures indicate a steady decline in essential services that directly impact residents’ quality of life.
The report further notes that Nairobi’s health sector is underperforming due to inadequate access to medical facilities, shortages of health personnel, insufficient medical supplies, and ineffective disease prevention measures. Despite the county being home to some of Kenya’s most advanced healthcare facilities, many residents still struggle to access affordable and reliable healthcare services.
The trade and tourism sector also recorded a poor rating of 37%, suggesting that Nairobi is struggling to maintain a conducive business environment. Challenges such as high taxation, regulatory bottlenecks, and weak support for small businesses have contributed to the sector’s decline.
Several factors have contributed to Nairobi’s declining performance across multiple sectors. One of the primary issues is poor governance and resource mismanagement. The presence of powerful cartels within the county government has reportedly undermined service delivery by diverting funds meant for public projects.
Additionally, rapid urbanization has exerted immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure and resources. With a growing population, Nairobi is facing increased demand for healthcare services, clean water, housing, and sanitation. However, the county government has struggled to keep up with these demands, resulting in declining service quality.
Environmental factors also play a role in the city’s challenges. Nairobi has been grappling with severe air pollution, which contributes to thousands of premature deaths annually. Poor waste management and inadequate drainage systems have further compounded health and sanitation problems.
While Nairobi has performed poorly, some counties have excelled in various sectors. Murang’a and Trans Nzoia led in Agriculture with scores of 51%, while Homa Bay ranked highest in Health at 53%. Similarly, Murang’a recorded the best performance in Education (54%), while Homa Bay led in Roads and Transport (52%).
The report indicates that counties in the Central and Nyanza regions performed relatively well, each scoring an average of 46%, while Nairobi lagged at 39%, just above the worst-performing North Eastern region at 38%.
To improve service delivery, the Nairobi County government must address governance issues and ensure transparency in resource allocation. Strengthening health infrastructure, equipping medical facilities, and recruiting more healthcare professionals should be prioritized to enhance healthcare services.
In the trade sector, policies that support small businesses, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and create a more favorable investment environment can help stimulate economic growth. Moreover, implementing effective urban planning strategies and investing in public infrastructure will be crucial in addressing housing and sanitation challenges.
Ultimately, county leaders must recognize the importance of aligning their policies with public needs. The promise of devolution was to bring services closer to the people, but Nairobi’s declining performance suggests that much more needs to be done to fulfill this vision.
As the capital city and economic hub of Kenya, Nairobi must take urgent steps to improve service delivery across all key sectors. The success of the county will not only benefit its residents but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the country.
