Kenya Track Survey has ranked the country’s top 10 best-performing Cabinet Secretaries, highlighting members of the Cabinet whose ministries have recorded notable public visibility, policy activity and perceived impact across key areas of national development.

The survey, conducted between July 1 and July 28, 2026, interviewed 5,345 Kenyans across the country through random sampling proportionately distributed according to population size.

The respondents were adults aged 18 years and above living in both rural and urban areas, with the survey reporting a sampling error of approximately ±3 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.

The ranking considered leadership, implementation of government programmes, public service delivery, response to national challenges, policy influence and the contribution of each ministry to national development. Kenya Track notes that the ranking is based on public opinion and does not constitute an official government performance evaluation.

Topping the rankings is Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who emerged as the best-performing Cabinet Secretary with an impressive 78 per cent rating.

The survey attributes her strong showing to efforts to strengthen Kenya’s tourism sector through international marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships with airlines and investors, and the promotion of the country as a leading safari, beach and conference destination.

Miano’s ministry has also placed emphasis on sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, community conservancies and eco-tourism, with the survey noting that these initiatives have helped maintain Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations while supporting foreign exchange earnings.

Coming in second is Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, who secured 75 per cent. His position reflects the ministry’s broad mandate and its efforts to implement education reforms, strengthen university governance, expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions and improve funding mechanisms for higher education.

The survey also recognises efforts to improve learning infrastructure, teacher deployment and the administration of national examinations, noting that effective leadership in education is critical because the sector directly affects millions of learners and families and remains central to Kenya’s human capital development.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya follows in third place with 71 per cent, earning recognition for her stewardship of one of the country’s most strategic portfolios.

The survey says Tuya has focused on strengthening Kenya’s defence capabilities through military modernisation, improved training and operational readiness, while also paying attention to the welfare of members of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Her ministry has further supported Kenya’s participation in regional peacekeeping missions and strengthened security cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners, reinforcing Kenya’s role in regional security affairs.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muriithi Muga occupies fourth position with 70 per cent, following efforts to expand access to clean and reliable water through dams, boreholes, water supply systems and sanitation projects across the country.

The survey also highlights irrigation development under his ministry, noting that improved irrigation can raise agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, improve farmers’ incomes and enhance communities’ resilience to drought and climate change.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku takes fifth place with 68 per cent. His ranking is linked to efforts to improve efficiency within the public service through digital government services, enhanced accountability and stronger performance management.

The survey says his ministry has also pursued reforms aimed at building a professional, transparent and responsive civil service, noting that an effective public service is essential to the successful implementation of government programmes across the country.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui follows in sixth position with 64 per cent. His ministry has focused on attracting foreign investment, supporting local industries and manufacturers, strengthening exports and improving the business environment.

The survey also recognises efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a significant role in employment creation and economic growth. Investment, manufacturing and trade remain key drivers of private-sector expansion, government revenue and job creation.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya takes seventh position with 56 per cent, with the survey highlighting his focus on sports development, youth empowerment and the growing creative economy.

His ministry has invested in sports facilities and athlete development while promoting areas such as music, film and digital content as potential sources of employment and economic opportunity. His engagement with athletes, artists and youth groups has also contributed to his visibility across the country.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is ranked eighth with 61 per cent, according to the survey, which highlights efforts to increase food production, improve farming practices and strengthen livestock development.

His ministry has also promoted technology adoption, improved agricultural extension services and expanded market access for farmers. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security while improving the incomes and livelihoods of farming communities.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa occupies ninth position with 59 per cent, with her ministry credited with advancing environmental conservation, climate adaptation, forest restoration and sustainable management of natural resources.

The survey highlights tree-growing campaigns, biodiversity conservation and efforts to protect water catchment areas as important interventions as Kenya continues to confront climate-related challenges, including droughts, floods and environmental degradation.

Rounding off the top 10 is Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who scored 58 per cent. His ministry oversees critical areas including internal security, national administration, disaster response, immigration coordination and public safety.
The survey credits Murkomen’s ministry with efforts to strengthen coordination among security agencies, improve emergency preparedness and support reforms within the national administration system.

However, it notes that public assessments of his performance vary, with supporters pointing to security initiatives while critics have raised concerns over policing and public order.

The Kenya Track survey paints a broad picture of Cabinet performance across sectors that are central to the country’s development, from tourism and education to defence, water, trade, agriculture, sports, environmental conservation and national security.

The survey underscores that Cabinet Secretaries play a crucial role in translating government policies into programmes and services that directly affect citizens. Their effectiveness is reflected not only in policy implementation but also in leadership, accountability, institutional reforms, service delivery and the ability to respond to emerging national challenges.