Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has been ranked as the best performing governor in Kenya for 2026, according to a new poll released by Infotrak Research and Consulting.
As per the CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 released on Tuesday, August 4, Kang'ata overtook notable names such as Kiambu's Kimani Wamatangi and Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi.
The report revealed that Kang'ata scored an approval of 80% ahead of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at 76%, with Wamatangi following at 71%, though Infotrak took note of Wamatangi's remarkable rise from 29th position in 2023.
"Citizens judge governors and county institutions separately, while the average CountyTrak Performance Index stands at 44%, the highest-rated governor records 80% approval, evidence that visible leadership and accessibility can outperform institutional perceptions," the report obtained and seen by Vantage Ke reads in part.
"H.E. Dr. Irungu Kang'ata of Murang'a tops the rankings at 80%, ahead of H.E. George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia (76%) and H.E. Kimani Wamatangi of Kiambu (71%), whose rise from 29th in 2023 to 3rd is among the most remarkable. Kang'ata's approval has climbed from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024 and 80% in 2026."
At the same time, Murang'a County has been ranked as the best performing county in Kenya at 54%, narrowly beating neighbouring Kiambu County at 52%, with Trans Nzoia coming third at 50%.
The latest InfoTrak County Performance Index has cast a fresh spotlight on Kenya's devolved system of governance, identifying Murang'a and Homa Bay among the country's standout counties based on service delivery and development.
The survey assessed all 47 counties using key socio-economic indicators, including healthcare, infrastructure, education, and other public service measures.
According to the report, the rankings provide a snapshot of how effectively county governments are converting National Treasury allocations into meaningful services for residents. Governor Kang'ata's top placement signals growing public confidence in his administration, while Governor Wamatangi's second-place ranking underscores the county's strong performance.
Battle Of Top Counties
The findings also point to a closely contested race among counties. Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu each scored 49 per cent, followed by Makueni and Tharaka Nithi at 48 per cent. Kericho, Kisumu, and Nyeri all posted 47 per cent.
Embu and Kirinyaga recorded 46 per cent alongside Kwale, Nandi, Taita Taveta, and West Pokot. Bungoma, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Samburu each attained 45 per cent, while Lamu, Machakos, Migori, Nakuru, and Narok rounded off the top 25 with 44 per cent.
Nairobi County, however, failed to feature among the leading performers, leaving Governor Sakaja outside the top tier and renewing concerns over service delivery in the capital despite its central economic role.
Analysts observed that the rankings reflect public perceptions of governance, development initiatives, and efficiency in delivering county services.
The CountyTrak Index evaluates counties using indicators such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and citizen satisfaction. The 2026 findings notably show that several small and mid-sized counties outperformed larger urban centres in service delivery.
The report is expected to pile pressure on counties that ranked poorly, with greater scrutiny now turning to governors to improve services and rebuild public confidence.
