Survey: Nakuru ranked third in budget transparency and access to information
A photo of Nakuru city
Nakuru County has been ranked third among Kenya's 47 counties in the 2025 County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS), scoring 87 percent in an assessment of budget transparency and public access to financial information.
The survey, conducted annually by Bajeti Hub, evaluates county governments on the availability, timeliness, and comprehensiveness of key budget implementation documents that are legally required to be made public.
Bajeti Hub is a Kenyan non-profit organisation working to advance transparency, accountability, participation, and equity in national and sub-national budgeting processes. It focuses on strengthening the impact of civil society and citizens advocacy on budget policies and outcomes at both levels of governance in Kenya.
The survey placed Nakuru county third behind Makueni and Nyeri counties which took first and second position respectively
Besides its overall ranking, Nakuru County received recognition for having the most comprehensive County Budget Review and Outlook Paper (CBROP) and the most comprehensive Approved Program-Based Budget (PBB) among the counties assessed.
Now in its sixth edition, the County Budget Transparency Survey is regarded as one of the most consistent assessments of budget transparency at the sub-national level. The 2025 survey examined three key areas: the timely publication of budget information, public access to budget documents, and the level of detail contained in those documents in line with the Public Finance Management Act, the County Governments Act, and related regulations.
This year's survey also introduced an assessment of how promptly counties publish and publicize budget documents. According to the survey, delays in releasing such information have previously limited public participation and oversight of county spending.
The findings come at a time when public scrutiny of government expenditure has increased amid concerns over the cost of living and demands for improved service delivery. The survey notes that growing public interest in how resources are raised, allocated, and spent has led to a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability in public finance management.
As counties continue to face pressure to improve governance and service delivery, the survey highlights the importance of making budget information accessible, timely, and detailed enough to support public participation and oversight.