The embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was, on Monday, named among the top ten best-performing governors in 2024.
This is according to Politrack Africa which evaluated performance at approximately the mid-point of the governors' terms. In the ratings for the most Transformative Governor of 2024, Kawira Mwangaza was ranked 7th out of the 47 elected governors in the country.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa topped the list with 76.5 per cent while his counterpart of Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki, came in second with 75.1 per cent.
The third and fourth positions were taken by Narok County Governor Patrick Ole Ntuntu at 73.2 per cent and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi at 70.7 per cent respectively.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang was ranked sixth at 68.9 per cent while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was assigned position six with 68.9 per cent.
The embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was ranked 7th with 68.2 per cent whereas Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo followed at position 8 with 66.2 per cent.
Positions nine and ten were taken by Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan with 65.4 per cent and Siaya Governor James Orengo with 63.8 per cent respectively.
According to the poll that examined the performance of governors in Kenya for the year 2024, the participants were questioned on governor performance satisfaction, public participation, as well as compliance with county planning as per the County Governments Act 2012.
The research also investigated the implementation, execution, and transparency of automated revenue collection systems with data collected through a survey that included 3,211 respondents as well as that from the Office of the Controller of Budget, the Auditor General as well as quotas from the youth and the public.
The ratings noted that over time, political approval ratings often decline therefore maintaining or improving these ratings may be challenging.
The mean approval rating stood at 55.8 percent noting there is substantial room for improvement for most governors as they edge towards completion of their tenure.
Politrack Africa also indicated that if the current trend continues, approximately half of the governors, those above the median of 50.0 per cent, have a favourable chance for re-election, while the other half may face significant challenges to convince electorates.
The wide range of approval ratings suggests that some governors have significantly outperformed others which could lead to increased competition and pressure on governors with low approval performance to improve.
The survey further asked county governments to prioritise transparency and public communication to build trust with their constituents. Additionally, the national government was urged to provide additional support or resources to counties with struggling leadership.
The poll, which was self-funded by Politrack Africa to ensure impartiality and independence in reporting public opinion, was based on the current term of the governors.
