County budget transparency in Kenya has reached a five-year high in 2025, with an average score of 65 points, indicating improved public access to information and accountability mechanisms.

• The average county budget transparency score increased to 65 points out of 100 in 2025, the highest since the 2021 survey.
• Makueni County led with 89 points, followed closely by Nyeri County (88 points), Nakuru (87 points), and Busia (85 points).
• The County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS), released by Bajeti Hub, highlights overall improvements but notes persistent challenges for 20 counties that saw score declines.

After extensive negotiations, Kenya's Senate and National Assembly have reached a deal allocating Sh428 billion to counties. This agreement resolves differences over the equitable share of national revenue.

• The agreed-upon allocation is Kshs 428 billion.
• Key figures involved include co-chairperson Samuel Atandi, Chairman of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, and Ali Roba, Senate Finance and Budget Committee Chairman.
• The deal also reinstates Clause 5 of the Bill, protecting county allocations from national revenue shortfalls.

A new report reveals that while Kenyan counties have improved budget information transparency, many still fail to provide sufficient details for public scrutiny and accountability.

• The County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS) 2025 by Bajeti Hub found an average comprehensiveness score of 59 out of 100, an improvement of 28 points since 2021.
• Bajeti Hub, an organization focused on budget transparency, urges counties to enhance the quality, accessibility, and usability of citizen budgets.
• Despite improvements in areas like expenditure and non-financial reporting (scoring 71 points), gaps persist in critical financial and non-financial data needed for meaningful public participation and accountability.