The number of secret bank accounts operated by Kenyan counties has surged to 6,585, a concerning increase of about 3,000 in just one year, according to a new report.

• The County Governments Budget Implementation Review Report revealed counties were operating 6,585 commercial bank accounts as of March 31, 2026.
• This rise fuels concerns over transparency in the management of devolved funds, with authorities suspecting some accounts are used to siphon public money.
• The report highlights this issue just ten months before the 2027 General Election, indicating a persistent governance challenge within Kenya’s devolved units.