Murang'a County ranked top in job creation, effective delivery gov't services

Murang’a County has been ranked as the top devolved unit in Kenya for job creation, automation and fast delivery of E-Government services, according to a new ranking by the Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat.

In the ranking, Murang’a scored 98.3 per cent, followed by Nakuru (87.3 per cent), Kiambu (83.9 per cent) and Kisumu (81.2 per cent). Meru County rounded up the top five category with 80.3 per cent. 

The ranking assessed counties on job creation initiatives, ease and speed of accessing services (including online services), automation and digitization, safety and reliability of revenue systems. 

Murang'a also scored high due to smart farmer subsidies through the Inue Mkulima initiative and online bursary applications. 

Nairobi County tied with Meru County, garnering 80.3 per cent. The capital city scored a high performance on digitisation of services, revenue growth, and innovation. 

Nairobi's score was, however, affected by a dismal score on job creation and economic empowerment. 

Overall, the ranking recommended a legal framework to compel County Governments to automate essential services such as revenue management, health services among others.

These systems, according to the ranking, would be regularly assessed to identify gaps and adopt new technologies. 

The report advocated for a collaboration between the government and the private sector to boost job creation and support entrepreneurship. 

Further, the ranking noted the government's pivotal role in providing internet connectivity, calling on it to accelerate the last-mile connectivity project in rural and remote parts of Northern Kenya.   

"Youth bulge, where a significant population is below the age of 35 years, presents an immense potential for innovation and economic growth for the County governments," the report read in part. 

"However, it equally poses critical challenges such as unemployment, social unrest and political instability."

The ranking highlighted that leadership and good governance are the overall remedies for effective service delivery.