Elected county councils were created in 1889 under the Local Government Act 1888, taking over many administrative functions that had previously been performed by unelected magistrates at the quarter sessions.

As part of the 1974 reforms, the lower tier was reorganised into fourteen non-metropolitan districts.

District-level services are provided by the twelve district councils: Much of the county is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.

The majority of Kent Top Travel's route portfolio comprised rural, evening and Sunday services won under competitive tender from Kent County Council and other local authorities in open competition with private bus operators.

Kent Top Travel operated Canterbury City Council's park & ride service from October 2008 until 2013.

[22][23] Kent Top Travel operated both single and double deck buses as well as charter coaches.

The cabinet is responsible for the strategic thinking and decisions that steer how the council is run.

: It manages services that include human resources, finance, governance, law and democracy, strategic commissioning, property and infrastructure, information technology, media and communications, consultation and engagement, customer relations including gateways and contact centre, business intelligence and policy.

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, their aim is to reduce demand in specialist children's social services by helping families earlier, improving parenting skills and the health and educational outcomes of young children, ensuring they are school ready.

Successes of the youth council include the introduction of the Kent Freedom Pass in 2007, which later rebranded in 2019 to The KCC Travel Saver.

The scheme offers significant discounts on bus travel for children and students within Kent, enabling cost savings of up to 50% for eligible users.

[29] Provides support and care for adults who need assistance due to age, disability, or health conditions.

It aims to help individuals live as independently as possible while ensuring their well-being and safety.