Enhancing E-government in Machakos and Nakuru Counties: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Kenya's Devolved Units

E-government has the potential to boost public sector efficiency and accountability by promoting interactions among actors involved in the achievement of sustainable development.However, research on e-government maturity and sustainability is limited in many developing countries, especially at the sub-national level.This study used a case study research design and document content analysis to compare insights into e-government maturity in the subnational units (counties) of Machakos and Nakuru in Kenya.The key documents reviewed included official government publications, policy papers, strategic plans, academic articles, relevant case studies from government websites, academic databases, international organizations, and research institutions specializing in governance and development.The findings indicate that Kenya aspires to build a mature and sustainable e-government because of its potential effects on socio-economic development.At the subnational level, insights from Machakos and Nakuru counties indicate that both counties are in the "emergence phase" heading toward the "enhanced service delivery phase" of maturity and sustainability.These growth phases are characterized by adopting electronic technologies for basic online services such as information dissemination and form submissions to interactive and transactional services, enabling citizens to conduct tasks such as bill payments and permit applications online.However, Machakos county exhibits higher infrastructure development and user engagement, suggesting a more mature e-government framework.In contrast, Nakuru county shows potential for growth in service availability and regulatory frameworks.Nevertheless, challenges such as low digital literacy among many residents in Machakos county and the lack of a dedicated e-government policy in Nakuru county affect the maturity of egovernment.Despite the deployment of various strategies to address these challenges in both counties, it is crucial to formulate robust policies, including developing a county-level E-government Development Index.It will necessitate expedited infrastructural development and enhanced collaboration in capacity-building initiatives to foster inclusive and efficient e-governance.