By Andrew Mbuva.
Makueni County has emerged as Kenya’s best-performing county in budget transparency after topping the County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS) 2025 with an impressive score of 89 out of 100 points.
The county was also the biggest winner during the survey’s launch ceremony held in Nairobi, scooping five prestigious awards—more than any other county in the country.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili represented Makueni at the event organized by Bajeti Hub, led by its Executive Director Dr. Abraham Rugo Muriu.
The awards recognized Makueni as the most transparent county overall, the best-performing county in the timely publication of budget documents, and the county with the most comprehensive Quarterly Budget Implementation Report, County Fiscal Strategy Paper, and Finance Act.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Mulili attributed the county’s outstanding performance to visionary leadership, strong public participation, and a steadfast commitment to community-driven development.
She noted that 70 per cent of Makueni’s development budget is directed towards grassroots projects, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from county investments. According to Mulili, each project is managed and monitored by a Project Management Committee (PMC), a strategy that enhances accountability and minimizes the risk of stalled or ghost projects.
“The recognition reflects our commitment to openness, accountability, and ensuring that public resources are utilized for the benefit of wananchi,” she said.
County delegations attending the event lauded Makueni for its achievement, with many describing the county as a model for transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management within Kenya’s devolved governance system.
The latest ranking is seen as a major endorsement of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration, which has consistently championed transparency in public finance management as a cornerstone of effective service delivery and sustainable development.
Makueni’s stellar performance in the CBTS 2025 further cements its reputation as a national leader in accountable governance and citizen-centered development.
