Waiguru beats Arati, Ntutu to top County Performance Index

The Politrack Africa Thematic Governors Performance Index 2022-2026 placed Waiguru first with a composite score of 61.5 per cent, ahead of Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who came second at 58.5 per cent. Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti tied for third place at 57.3 per cent each.

The index evaluated all 47 counties on four key indicators: agriculture, health, water management and public satisfaction, with the final score calculated as an average across the four categories.

According to the report, Waiguru's top ranking was driven by strong performance across all four sectors, anchored by a 68 per cent public satisfaction score, the highest recorded among all governors surveyed.

The assessment credited the commissioning of the Sagana Agro-Industrial Park, expansion of irrigation schemes under the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, upgrades to Kianyaga and Kimbimbi Level 4 hospitals, and the completion of major water projects for Kirinyaga's strong showing.

Under Waiguru, the county has prioritised the delivery of devolved services and investment in sectors that directly affect residents' livelihoods. Agriculture has remained a central focus, with efforts geared toward improving productivity and strengthening value chains, while investments in healthcare, water and infrastructure have targeted wider access to essential services across the county.

Other governors who featured prominently in the index include Nandi's Stephen Sang at 52.8 per cent, Homa Bay's Gladys Wanga at 52.5 per cent, Murang'a's Irungu Kang'ata at 52.0 per cent and Kilifi's Gideon Mung'aro at 51.8 per cent.

Waiguru's ranking adds to a string of strong showings in recent polling. She also topped a separate Politrack Africa survey in June that named her the leading choice for deputy president in President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, with 30.9 per cent support among respondents sampled.