Nairobi's economy produced Sh2.6 trillion in 2020, making it Kenya's wealthiest county, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This accounted for 26% of the national GDP, a share that has remained unchanged since devolution began in 2013, as revealed in the Economic Survey 2022.
The Gross County Product (GCP) report showed stark economic contrasts. Kiambu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Machakos followed with Sh553 billion, Sh467 billion, Sh480 billion, and Sh313 billion respectively in 2020. In contrast, Isiolo, Samburu, Tana River, Lamu, and Wajir contributed between Sh26 billion and Sh49 billion, reflecting challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.
The top five counties accounted for 46.9% of gross value added (GVA), with the top 10 contributing 59.5%. KNBS noted that urban centers generally outperformed rural areas, though exceptions like Meru and Kakamega demonstrated diversified economic activity. A 2021 image of Nairobi's skyline underscores the county's economic dominance.
Marsabit led GCP growth at 7.2% between 2014 and 2019, surpassing the national average of 4.6%. Elgeyo Marakwet, Mandera, Samburu, and West Pokot also showed strong performance. Agricultural counties such as Bomet and Kericho generated higher output than those with limited economic activities.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani highlighted underperformance in local revenue collection. While 33 counties contributed less than Sh197 billion each, Embu, Bungoma, and Garissa saw significant growth. Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu topped annual local revenue collections between 2013 and 2019, according to the report.
