Leeway Africa has released results of a national survey ranking the best performing governors, senators and women representatives across the country.

The study covered all 47 counties and interviewed 4,650 respondents through stratified and random sampling, with a 95 per cent confidence level and a three per cent margin of error.

Leeway Africa Communication Strategist Mutolia Mukosia pointed out that the assessment was guided by the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which outlines the mandates of senators, governors and women representatives.

“Our Constitution clearly spells out the roles of senators under Article 96, governors under Article 183 and women representatives under Article 100. This survey assessed whether leaders have been true to those responsibilities,” Mukosia explained during the release of the results in Nairobi.

On the other hand, Leeway Africa Data Analyst Joy Wamboi said performance was measured through development projects, leadership consistency, accessibility and responsiveness to public concerns.

“These rankings are not political endorsements but a reflection of how Kenyans feel about the quality of leadership they are receiving. The survey also gave citizens a platform to express their lived experiences,” stated Wamboi.

From the survey results, Murang’a Governor Irungu Katanga emerged top performing governor with an approval rating of 72.8 per cent followed by Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado at 70.6 per cent and Simba Arati of Kisii at 68.5 per cent respectively.

Additionally, Uasin Gishu’s Jonathan Bii, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga, Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega, Kimani Wamatangi of Kiambu, Patrick ole Ntutu of Narok and George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia completed the top 10 of the best performing governors.

In the senate category, Nairobi’s Edwin Sifuna ranked first with 70.1 per cent followed by Aaron Cheruiyot of Kericho with 69.7 per cent and Tom Ojienda of Kisumu with 69 per cent.

John Methu of Nyandarua, Kathure Murungi of Meru, Richard Onyonka of Kisii, Wahome Wamatangi of Nyeri, Moses Kajwang’ of Homa Bay, Karungo wa Thang’wa of Kiambu and James Murango of Kirinyaga also featured in the top 10.

Among the Women Representatives, Murang’a’s Betty Maina led with 68.9 per cent, followed by Jane Kagiri of Laikipia with 67.4 per cent and Ruth Odinga of Kisumu with 56.7 per cent. Others in the top 10 were Jane Njeri Maina of Kirinyaga, Rahab Mukami of Nyeri, Elizabeth Kailemia of Meru, Umulkheir Kassim of Mandera, Cynthia Muge of Nandi, Anne Wamuratha of Kiambu and Beatrice Adagala of Vihiga.

In view of the foregoing, Wamboi noted that governors were rated highly for their grassroots presence and completion of projects.

Meanwhile, Senators gained recognition for oversight and vocal representation of county interests, whereas woman representatives were praised for advocacy, empowerment programmes and close community engagement.

Leeway Africa Researcher Josephine Waweru congratulated leaders who featured highly in the rankings, saying the results reflected Kenyans’ growing demand for accountability.

“Kenyans are watching, listening and taking stock of their leaders. These rankings show that citizens want responsibility, accessibility and people-centred politics now more than ever,” Waweru noted.

Leeway clarified that each county was evaluated according to its unique priorities and that views were drawn proportionately from both rural and urban populations.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid