Service Delivery at the Local Level
County governments are responsible for bringing basic services closer to you. This includes clean water, sanitation, local roads, early childhood education, and health services like dispensaries and health centres. The reason you don’t have to travel across the country to get a clinic appointment or clean water is because counties are assigned that duty. They exist to make sure the day-to-day things you need for survival and dignity are available in your own backyard.
Local Infrastructure and Public Works
Construction and maintenance of local roads, footbridges, drainage, street lighting, and housing fall under the county government. They handle projects that directly affect your movement and living conditions within the ward or sub-county. If a road in your area floods or disappears, you don’t need to call Nairobi — you should ask your governor or MCA.
Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries
Counties support farming activities by providing extension services, managing crop production, and regulating livestock movement. They also maintain livestock sale yards, abattoirs, and fish markets. If farmers in your area are struggling, or if prices drop with no warning, your county is responsible for that support structure — not the national government.
Pre-primary Education and Childcare
County governments are in charge of early childhood development and education (ECDE), including nursery schools and child care centres. They hire ECDE teachers, build classrooms, and provide teaching resources. If nursery schools are overcrowded, poorly funded, or shut down, it's your county that has failed.
Trade and Local Markets
Regulation of trade including markets, trade licenses, and business permits is a county function. They issue the licenses that allow small businesses to operate legally. If there are unfair market practices or high fees for hawkers, it’s the county you hold accountable.
Control of Pollution and Public Nuisance
Counties manage environmental conservation and pollution control. This includes waste collection, noise control, and preservation of green spaces. If your area stinks of uncollected garbage or suffers from noise at night, the county isn’t doing its job.
Culture, Sports, and Local Tourism
Promoting cultural activities, sports programs, and local tourism is a county responsibility. They organize events, build and manage stadiums, and preserve historical sites. They are supposed to turn local talent and heritage into opportunities and income.
Disaster Management and Emergency Response
When floods, fires, or other emergencies strike, counties are expected to respond first. They are tasked with setting up response units, coordinating with Red Cross or hospitals, and protecting lives within their jurisdiction.
Licensing of Public Entertainment and Alcohol
County assemblies control the sale and consumption of alcohol within their territories. They determine how licenses are issued and how bars operate. If alcohol abuse is rampant and regulation is loose, your governor owns that failure.
County Planning and Development
Counties are required to prepare development plans and budgets each year. They decide how money is spent in every sector. If projects in your area are delayed, mismanaged, or ghosted, follow the paper trail to your local county assembly.
