County vs national government
Kenya has two levels of government: the national government and 47 county governments. Knowing which level is responsible helps you contact the right office and use the right portal.
Why it matters
Before 2010, most power sat at the centre. The Constitution introduced devolution so that some services and decisions happen closer to communities. Functions are mainly listed in the Fourth Schedule (distribution of functions between the national government and the county governments). Read Chapter 11 — Devolved government for the full chapter text on this site.
Some services involve both levels — for example health policy may be national while many public hospitals and dispensaries are run by counties. See also local and county services and health and social care.
Examples of national functions
These are commonly national (simplified examples — always check the Constitution and current law for the full list):
- foreign affairs and international trade
- national defence and police (national security organs)
- immigration, citizenship and civil registration frameworks
- national economic policy and monetary policy institutions
- courts and the national justice system
- primary and secondary education policy frameworks and national examinations
- national trunk roads and national infrastructure in assigned areas
Examples of county functions
Counties commonly handle:
- county health facilities and pharmacies
- early childhood education and childcare facilities
- county transport and county roads
- trade development and regulation, including markets and local licensing
- county planning and development
- agricultural implementation and some local natural resource roles
- county public works and firefighting services
- control of pollution and public nuisances at county level
Who leads each level
National
President, Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Parliament (National Assembly and Senate), and national institutions.
County
Governor, deputy governor, county executive committee, and the county assembly (including MCAs elected by ward).
Money
Counties receive a share of nationally raised revenue and may raise some local revenue (for example rates and local fees). Oversight and reporting involve national and county institutions.
If you are not sure who to contact
- Identify the service (for example passport vs county business permit).
- Check whether it is listed as national or county in reliable guidance — start with our topics and services.
- Use contact government for official channels.
More on devolution: devolution hub. County directory: all counties.