Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has emerged as Kenya’s highest-rated county chief in the latest Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most popular governors less than a year before political campaigns for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
The survey places Kang’ata at the top of the national rankings with an impressive 80 per cent approval rating, ahead of George Natembeya, who scored 76 per cent, while Kimani Wamatangi secured third place with 71 per cent.
Sharing fourth position are Gladys Wanga, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., and Wesley Rotich, each posting an approval rating of 68 per cent, according to the latest findings by research firm Infotrak.
The survey provides one of the clearest snapshots yet of public sentiment towards county governments, with residents assessing governors based on their performance in service delivery, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, financial management, water provision, roads, youth empowerment and overall leadership.
The latest rankings come at a politically significant moment as governors seek to consolidate their development records ahead of the 2027 elections.
For first-term governors seeking re-election, the poll offers an early indication of voter confidence, while for those serving their second and final terms, it reflects the legacy they are likely to leave behind.
Kang’ata’s Rise
Governor Kang’ata’s top ranking has been attributed to a series of development initiatives undertaken in Murang’a over the past four years.
His administration has invested heavily in road improvement, healthcare expansion, bursary programmes, water projects and agricultural support, particularly for coffee, avocado and dairy farmers.
Political analysts say his administration has also benefited from frequent public engagement and an aggressive communication strategy that keeps residents informed about ongoing projects.
An approval rating of 80 per cent places Kang’ata comfortably ahead of his peers, suggesting that a significant majority of Murang’a residents are satisfied with the direction of his administration.
Natembeya Consolidates Western Support
Coming in second with 76 per cent, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya continues to enjoy strong grassroots support despite remaining one of the country’s most outspoken political figures.
Natembeya has built his image around anti-corruption campaigns, infrastructure development and calls for equitable distribution of national resources.
His political profile has continued to grow beyond Trans Nzoia, with many viewing him as an emerging national voice from the Western region.
Wamatangi’s Development Agenda Pays Off
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s third-place finish with 71 per cent reflects growing public confidence in his administration’s emphasis on urban infrastructure, healthcare services, youth empowerment programmes and revenue reforms.
Kiambu remains one of Kenya’s most economically significant counties, making the governor’s performance closely watched nationally.
Wanga Among Top Female Performers
For Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the 68 per cent approval rating reinforces her standing as one of Kenya’s most influential female political leaders.
Since assuming office, Wanga has focused on improving healthcare, expanding road infrastructure, supporting the blue economy around Lake Victoria and strengthening agricultural productivity.
Her administration has also attracted national attention through investments in maternal healthcare, fisheries and economic empowerment initiatives.
Mutula and Rotich Maintain Strong Ratings
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. also maintained a strong approval rating, continuing the county’s reputation for prudent financial management and citizen-centred governance established under former Governor Kivutha Kibwana.
Meanwhile, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich’s performance reflects sustained investment in education, agriculture, road infrastructure and sports development in one of Kenya’s athletics powerhouses.
What the Poll Means Politically
Political observers say the latest Infotrak rankings are likely to shape political narratives heading into the 2027 General Election.
High approval ratings provide governors with a strong platform to defend their records, while poor performers—whose rankings were also captured in the broader survey—are expected to face mounting pressure from opponents eager to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction.
The findings also underscore the growing importance of performance-based politics, with voters increasingly evaluating county leaders on tangible development outcomes rather than purely partisan or ethnic considerations.
County governments, established under the 2010 Constitution, now control billions of shillings annually to deliver devolved services in key sectors including health, agriculture, early childhood education, trade, water and county infrastructure.
Consequently, public perception surveys such as Infotrak’s have become an important barometer of whether devolution is meeting citizens’ expectations.
As the race towards 2027 begins to take shape, the latest CountyTrak survey suggests that development performance—not just political rhetoric—could prove decisive in determining which governors retain public confidence and which face an uphill battle at the ballot box.
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