County Integrated Development Plan
Every county in Kenya operates under a single blueprint. It dictates where roads get built, which hospitals receive funding, how water projects are prioritized, and which communities see development first.
That blueprint is the County Integrated Development Plan—or CIDP.
If you’re a county official, business owner, development partner, or citizen trying to understand how your local government actually works, the CIDP is where it all starts. No public funds can be spent outside this framework. Not a single shilling.
Yet most Kenyans have never read their county’s CIDP. Most don’t even know it exists.
This changes that.
What Is a County Integrated Development Plan?
A County Integrated Development Plan is a five-year strategic plan that outlines every major development priority and project a county will undertake.
Legal basis: Mandated by Section 108 of the County Government Act 2012 and Article 220(2) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Duration: Five years, typically aligned with the governor’s term (2023-2027 for current CIDPs).
Purpose: Serve as the master plan that guides all county spending, development, and resource allocation.
Key requirement: The Public Finance Management Act states explicitly that no public funds shall be appropriated outside a county’s planning framework. If a project isn’t in the CIDP, it can’t receive county budget allocation.
Think of the CIDP as a contract between county government and citizens. It says: “Here’s what we promise to do over the next five years. Here’s where money will go. Here’s how we’ll measure success.”
Why the CIDP Matters More Than You Think
1. It controls the money
Kenya’s 47 counties receive billions in revenue annually through:
- Equitable share from national government
- Own-source revenue (taxes, fees, licenses)
- Conditional grants
- Development partner funding
Every shilling must align with CIDP priorities. Want to know if your county will build that road you’ve been requesting? Check the CIDP.
2. It sets the agenda
The CIDP determines:
- Which sectors get priority (health vs. education vs. infrastructure)
- Which sub-counties receive more investment
- Which programs get multi-year funding commitments
- What partnerships the county pursues
3. It creates accountability
Because the CIDP includes specific targets, timelines, and indicators, citizens can track whether their county government is delivering. Did they promise 50km of new roads? You can check if they delivered.
4. It attracts investment
Development partners, NGOs, and private investors review CIDPs to identify opportunities. A well-structured CIDP signals competence and attracts external funding.
The Six Core Components of Every CIDP
While formats vary slightly, every CIDP in Kenya follows this basic structure:
Chapter 1: County Overview
What it contains:
- Geographic location, size, and boundaries
- Administrative divisions (sub-counties, wards)
- Population data (from 2019 Kenya census)
- Demographic breakdown (age, gender, density)
- Physical features (topography, climate, ecology)
- Economic activities and resources
- Social indicators (literacy rates, poverty levels)
Why it matters: This baseline data justifies why certain areas need more investment. If Ward X has only 20% access to clean water versus 80% county average, that gap appears here.
Example from Nairobi County CIDP 2023-2027: “Nairobi County covers 696.1 km² and has a population of 4.4 million (2019 census). The county is Kenya’s economic hub, contributing approximately 60% of national GDP, yet faces challenges including informal settlements housing 60% of residents.”
Chapter 2: Performance Review of Previous CIDP
What it contains:
- Revenue collected vs. projected (by source)
- Expenditure by sector (budget vs. actual spending)
- Key outcomes achieved
- Programs completed vs. planned
- Major challenges encountered
- Lessons learned
Why it matters: This is the accountability section. Did the previous administration deliver on promises? Which sectors underperformed? Why?
Example from Kiambu County CIDP 2023-2027: “CIDP 2018-2022 required Kshs. 116.963 billion but mobilized only Kshs. 61.858 billion (52.9% of target). Roads sector achieved 67% of planned projects, while health sector achieved 84%.”
This transparency lets citizens see: Was failure due to poor planning? Inadequate funding? Corruption? Incompetence?
Chapter 3: County Spatial Framework
What it contains:
- How development projects are distributed geographically
- Urban vs. rural development priorities
- Infrastructure corridors (transport, utilities)
- Land use planning
- Environmental considerations
- Progress on County Spatial Plans
Why it matters: Development shouldn’t be random. The spatial framework ensures equitable distribution and strategic placement of projects.
Example: If a county is building three hospitals, the spatial framework dictates they’re placed to serve populations with worst access—not all in the governor’s home constituency.
Chapter 4: Sector Development Priorities, Strategies & Programs
This is the heart of the CIDP—the actual development agenda broken down by sector.
Typical sectors covered:
- Agriculture and Livestock
- Health Services
- Education and Vocational Training
- Water, Environment & Natural Resources
- Roads, Transport & Public Works
- Trade, Tourism & Industrialization
- Energy, ICT & Digital Economy
- Lands, Physical Planning & Urban Development
- Public Service & Administration
- Finance & Economic Planning
For each sector, the CIDP includes:
Vision & Mission: What the sector aims to achieve
Goals: Specific outcomes (e.g., “Reduce maternal mortality by 30%”)
Development needs: What gaps exist
Priorities: Top focus areas based on needs assessment and available resources
Strategies: How goals will be achieved
Programs: Specific interventions (e.g., “Maternal Health Program”)
Flagship projects: Major initiatives with high visibility/impact
Budget allocation: How much money each program receives
Performance indicators: Measurable targets to track progress
Example from Nairobi County CIDP 2023-2027 – Health Sector:
Goal: Achieve universal health coverage with quality healthcare accessible to all residents
Priority: Reduce maternal mortality rate from 266 per 100,000 live births to 180 per 100,000
Strategy: Upgrade health facilities, train healthcare workers, provide free maternal services
Program: Mama na Mtoto (Mother and Child) Program
Budget: Kshs. 8.4 billion over 5 years
Indicator: Number of facility-based deliveries, skilled birth attendance rate
Target: 95% of births attended by skilled professionals by 2027
Chapter 5: Resource Mobilization & Implementation Framework
What it contains:
- Total resource requirements (5-year budget)
- Expected revenue sources and projections
- Resource mobilization strategies
- Institutional roles (who implements what)
- Partnerships with national government, NGOs, private sector
- Asset management plans
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Why it matters: Good plans without funding are worthless. This chapter shows where money will come from and whether projections are realistic.
Example from Kakamega County CIDP 2023-2027: “Total resource requirement: Kshs. 112.5 billion over five years. Expected sources: National government equitable share (68%), own-source revenue (22%), conditional grants (7%), development partners (3%).”
If a county projects revenue growth of 30% annually but historical performance shows 5% growth, that’s a red flag.
Chapter 6: Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
What it contains:
- M&E framework and structure
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) by sector
- Data collection methods
- Reporting schedules (quarterly, annual)
- Citizen feedback mechanisms
- Evaluation plans (mid-term, end-term reviews)
Why it matters: Without monitoring, there’s no accountability. This chapter ensures the CIDP isn’t just filed away and forgotten.
Example: Nairobi County uses the Nairobi Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (NIMES) to track CIDP implementation in real-time. Quarterly reports are submitted to County Assembly and published online.
How a CIDP Is Actually Prepared (The Process)
Creating a CIDP isn’t done in isolation. It’s a complex, multi-stakeholder process typically taking 6-9 months.
Phase 1: Preparation & Planning (Months 1-2)
Led by: County Finance and Economic Planning Department
Key actions:
- Form CIDP Preparation Committee (CIDP Secretariat)
- Establish Sector Working Groups (SWGs) for each sector
- Review national and county legal frameworks
- Develop work plan and budget for CIDP preparation
- Sensitize stakeholders on the process
Participants: County government departments, County Assembly, national government representatives, development partners
Phase 2: Situational Analysis (Months 3-4)
Key activities:
- Collect and analyze county data (demographics, economics, infrastructure)
- Review performance of previous CIDP
- Conduct needs assessment through:
- Household surveys
- Focus group discussions
- Stakeholder consultations
- Public participation forums
- Identify development gaps and priorities
Critical input: This is when citizens have maximum influence. Public participation forums happen at ward level. If your community needs a health center, this is when to push for inclusion.
Phase 3: Development Priority Setting (Month 5)
Key activities:
- CIDP Secretariat convenes joint sessions with all SWGs
- Define county-wide priorities based on:
- Situational analysis findings
- Governor’s manifesto commitments
- National development framework (Kenya Vision 2030)
- SDGs and international commitments
- Available resources
- Establish criteria for resource allocation (spatial, sectoral)
- Agree on approaches for cross-cutting issues (climate, gender, disability, youth)
Output: A prioritized list of county development objectives
Phase 4: Sector Planning (Months 5-6)
Key activities:
- Each SWG develops detailed sector plans including:
- Sector vision, mission, goals
- Programs and sub-programs
- Flagship projects
- Budget estimates
- Performance indicators and targets
- SWGs submit draft sector plans to CIDP Secretariat
Challenge: Sectors often propose budgets exceeding available resources. Secretariat must negotiate and rationalize.
Phase 5: Draft CIDP Compilation (Month 7)
Key activities:
- CIDP Secretariat consolidates all sector inputs
- Ensures cross-sectoral consistency
- Verifies alignment with resource allocation criteria
- Conducts internal review for technical quality
- Produces complete draft CIDP document
Quality check: Does the draft CIDP align with legal requirements? Are budgets realistic? Are indicators measurable?
Phase 6: Validation (Month 8)
Key activities:
- Stakeholder validation forums (county, sub-county, ward levels)
- Technical review by national government (State Department for Economic Planning)
- Incorporate feedback and finalize draft
- County Executive Committee reviews and approves for submission
This is the last chance for public input before approval.
Phase 7: Approval & Adoption (Month 9)
Key actions:
- Governor submits draft CIDP to County Assembly
- County Assembly sectoral committees review relevant chapters
- Public hearings conducted by County Assembly
- Assembly debates and approves (or requests revisions)
- Governor signs final approved CIDP into law
- CIDP is published and distributed
Legal requirement: County Assembly must approve the CIDP before it takes effect.
What Makes a Good CIDP vs. a Bad One
Not all CIDPs are created equal. Here’s how to spot the difference:
Signs of a Strong CIDP
1. Realistic resource projections
Revenue estimates align with historical performance. If a county historically mobilizes Kshs. 10 billion annually, projecting Kshs. 25 billion without explaining how is fantasy.
2. Clear prioritization
The CIDP explicitly states which needs are urgent vs. long-term, and why. Not everything can be Priority 1.
3. Measurable indicators
Targets are specific, not vague. “Improve access to water” is weak. “Increase households with clean water access from 45% to 70%” is strong.
4. Spatial equity
Projects are distributed based on need, not politics. Marginalized areas receive proportionally more investment.
5. Stakeholder participation
Evidence of genuine public input—not just token consultations. Different communities’ priorities are reflected.
6. Integration with other plans
The CIDP aligns with:
- National development agenda (Vision 2030, MTP)
- Sector plans
- Spatial plans
- Urban development plans
- Governor’s manifesto
7. Risk mitigation
Identifies potential challenges (funding gaps, capacity constraints) and proposes solutions.
Red Flags in a Weak CIDP
1. Over-ambitious budgets
Proposing Kshs. 200 billion in projects when county receives Kshs. 15 billion annually means 90% of projects will never happen.
2. Vague language
Full of buzzwords (“leverage synergies,” “paradigm shift”) without concrete actions or numbers.
3. No baseline data
Can’t set meaningful targets without knowing current status. Saying “improve literacy” without stating current literacy rate is useless.
4. Copy-paste from other counties
Some CIDPs are barely customized templates with county names swapped out.
5. Political bias
Disproportionate allocation to governor’s home area while neglecting other regions.
6. Lack of M&E framework
No clear system to track progress means no accountability.
7. Missing citizen input
Public participation is mentioned but no evidence it actually happened or influenced content.
How to Use Your County’s CIDP (Practical Applications)
For Citizens & Community Groups
1. Hold government accountable
The CIDP is a promise. If your county said they’d build 10 health centers but only built 2, demand answers. Cite specific page numbers and commitments.
2. Plan advocacy efforts
If your community’s top priority isn’t in the CIDP, you know you need to lobby harder during the next CIDP cycle. If it IS in the CIDP but not getting funded, you can pressure budget allocation.
3. Track budget alignment
When the county releases its Annual Development Plan and Budget, cross-check: Do allocations match CIDP priorities? If health is Priority 1 in CIDP but gets 5% of budget, something’s wrong.
4. Participate in reviews
CIDPs have mid-term and end-term reviews. Show up. Bring data. Point out failures and successes.
For Businesses & Investors
1. Identify opportunities
If a county’s CIDP prioritizes agro-processing and allocates Kshs. 2 billion, that signals investment opportunities in that sector.
2. Plan location strategy
The spatial framework shows where infrastructure development is planned. Locating your business near planned road upgrades or market centers makes sense.
3. Align CSR programs
Corporate social responsibility efforts are more impactful when they complement county priorities rather than duplicate or contradict them.
For Development Partners & NGOs
1. Strategic alignment
Donors increasingly require that funded projects align with county development priorities. The CIDP is the reference document.
2. Gap identification
The CIDP shows what the county CAN’T fund. That’s where development partners come in. If education is a priority but under-resourced, that’s your entry point.
3. Partnership frameworks
The CIDP specifies collaboration areas and roles. Use it to structure MoUs and partnerships.
For County Government Staff
1. Departmental planning
Every department must develop annual work plans and budgets that align with their CIDP sector chapters. The CIDP is the starting point.
2. Performance management
Staff performance targets should link to CIDP indicators. If the CIDP targets 30% reduction in disease prevalence, health workers’ KPIs should reflect contributions to that goal.
3. Inter-departmental coordination
Many CIDP priorities require multi-sectoral approaches. Roads + water + agriculture projects often overlap. The CIDP provides the framework for coordination.
Common Challenges in CIDP Implementation
Theory vs. reality: CIDPs often don’t survive contact with reality. Here’s why:
Challenge 1: Resource Constraints
The problem: Most CIDPs are over-budgeted. They propose Kshs. 150 billion in projects knowing they’ll mobilize maybe Kshs. 80 billion.
Why it happens: Political pressure to include everyone’s wishlist. Saying “no” loses votes.
Impact: Projects are started but not completed. Half-finished schools and hospitals become white elephants.
Solution: Prioritize ruthlessly. Phase projects realistically. Be honest about what’s achievable.
Challenge 2: Revenue Shortfalls
The problem: Counties consistently overestimate own-source revenue.
Example: Nairobi budgets Kshs. 17 billion in own-source revenue but collects Kshs. 12 billion. That Kshs. 5 billion gap means projects get cut.
Solution: Base projections on 3-5 year historical trends, not wishful thinking.
Challenge 3: National Government Delays
The problem: Counties depend on national equitable share transfers. When national treasury delays disbursements, county cash flows collapse.
Impact: Contractors aren’t paid. Projects stall. Services deteriorate.
Solution: Build contingency plans. Prioritize projects that can be phased.
Challenge 4: Capacity Gaps
The problem: Many counties lack technical capacity to implement complex projects.
Example: A county includes a dam construction project in the CIDP but has no hydraulic engineers and doesn’t budget for technical assistance.
Solution: Realistic capacity assessment during planning. Budget for technical support. Partner with national government or development agencies.
Challenge 5: Political Interference
The problem: New governors often ignore previous CIDP, wanting to implement their own vision.
Why it happens: Elections bring new leadership with different priorities.
Impact: Continuity breaks. Half-finished projects are abandoned.
Solution: Stronger legal enforcement of CIDP compliance. County Assembly oversight.
Challenge 6: Weak M&E Systems
The problem: Most counties don’t have functional systems to track CIDP implementation in real-time.
Impact: Problems aren’t identified early. Poor performing programs continue getting funded. No one knows what’s working.
Solution: Invest in M&E capacity. Make quarterly reports public. Use citizen feedback.
Challenge 7: Low Public Awareness
The problem: Most citizens don’t know the CIDP exists, let alone what’s in it.
Impact: Zero public pressure for accountability. Government can ignore CIDP with no consequences.
Solution: Counties must popularize CIDPs through simplified versions, community forums, and local media.
Recent Trends in Kenya’s CIDPs (2023-2027 Generation)
The third generation of CIDPs (2023-2027) shows some positive shifts:
1. Better data quality
Counties are using 2019 census data and County Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Systems (CIMES) for baseline data. Less guesswork.
2. Climate focus
Climate change adaptation and mitigation are now integrated across sectors, not treated as afterthoughts.
3. SDG alignment
All CIDPs now explicitly link priorities to Sustainable Development Goals, making it easier to attract international funding.
4. Digital transformation
ICT and digital economy are now standalone sectors in most CIDPs. Counties are prioritizing e-government services.
5. Bottom-up approach
The current national government’s “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” emphasizes ward-level planning. CIDPs now incorporate Ward Development Plans more systematically.
6. Improved participation
Public participation is more structured, with documented evidence of stakeholder input—though quality still varies.
7. Realistic budgeting (slowly improving)
After two cycles of under-implementation, some counties are being more conservative in projections.
How to Access and Read Your County’s CIDP
Every county is legally required to publish its CIDP. Here’s how to get it:
1. County government website
Most counties post approved CIDPs as PDFs. URLs typically follow this format:
- www.[countyname].go.ke
- Look for “County Plans” or “Publications” section
2. Maarifa Centre
The Council of Governors’ knowledge hub hosts CIDPs from all 47 counties:
3. County Finance and Economic Planning office
Physical copies available at county headquarters. Free or nominal fee for printing.
4. County Assembly library
All approved CIDPs are on file at County Assembly.
5. KIPPRA Repository
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis maintains a repository:
- repository.kippra.or.ke
The Future of County Integrated Development Planning in Kenya
Where is this headed?
Trend 1: More integration
Expect tighter linkage between national and county plans. The National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (NIMES) will connect everything.
Trend 2: Technology adoption
Counties are moving toward digital platforms for participatory planning. Mobile apps for citizen input. Real-time dashboards for tracking.
Trend 3: Inter-county collaboration
More regional CIDPs addressing shared issues (water basins, transport corridors, markets). Single-county thinking is too limited.
Trend 4: Stronger enforcement
The national government and County Assemblies are getting better at enforcing CIDP compliance. Less tolerance for ad-hoc spending.
Trend 5: Citizen demand
As Kenyans become more aware of their rights under devolution, demand for CIDP accountability will grow. Social media makes it harder to hide failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CIDP and Annual Development Plan?
The CIDP is a five-year strategic plan covering the entire gubernatorial term. The Annual Development Plan (ADP) is prepared each year and selects which CIDP projects will be implemented that specific year based on available resources. The ADP must align with the CIDP.
Can a county government fund projects not in the CIDP?
No. The Public Finance Management Act explicitly prohibits appropriating public funds outside the county planning framework. All funded projects must appear in the CIDP.
What happens if a governor wants to change priorities mid-term?
The CIDP can be reviewed mid-term (typically Year 3), but changes require public participation and County Assembly approval. It’s not easy to change, which is by design—to prevent arbitrary shifts.
How can citizens influence what goes into the CIDP?
Participate in ward-level public forums during CIDP preparation (usually held 6-9 months before plan approval). Submit written proposals to County Finance and Economic Planning Department. Engage your MCA to lobby for community priorities.
Who monitors whether counties implement their CIDPs?
Multiple actors: County Assembly (primary oversight), State Department for Economic Planning, Office of the Auditor General, Commission on Revenue Allocation, and civil society organizations. Citizens also have a role through civic monitoring.
What if my county’s CIDP is unrealistic?
Raise concerns during validation forums and County Assembly public hearings. Write to County Assembly sectoral committees. Engage civil society groups working on governance issues. Use media to highlight problems.
Do all 47 counties have current CIDPs?
Yes. All counties have submitted and had approved 2023-2027 CIDPs. Previous cycles were 2013-2017 and 2018-2022.
How is the CIDP different from the Governor’s manifesto?
The Governor’s manifesto is a political document outlining campaign promises. The CIDP is a legal planning document that integrates the manifesto with:
- Situational analysis and data
- Resource constraints
- National development framework
- Public participation input
- Technical feasibility assessments
Can I sue a county for not implementing CIDP commitments?
Kenyan law allows citizens to take legal action against public entities for failing to deliver services. However, courts generally recognize that resource constraints may prevent full CIDP implementation. More effective: use County Assembly oversight and civic pressure.
Where can I find simplified versions of CIDPs?
Some counties produce “popular versions”—shorter, visual documents summarizing the CIDP in plain language. Check your county website or ask the County Communication Office. If none exists, citizen groups sometimes create their own summaries.
