Governors Nathif Jama (Garissa), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia) have been ranked the most impactful county bosses in Kenya, in a new survey by Kenyatrack.
The survey, conducted between 1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025, approached adult Kenyans across all the 47 counties, and sought to hear their opinion on the performance of their respective governors.
Nathif Jama Adam
Nathif Jama was re-elected in 2022 and honoured with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), one of Kenya’s highest national awards.
He is a pioneer in Islamic finance, having co-authored Kenya’s first book on Sukuk (Islamic bonds), and is known for advocating for Islamic banking in public policy.
As the first governor of Garissa, he laid the foundation for county structures and public service delivery systems.
Anne Waiguru
The respondents hailed Waiguru for tranforming the healthcare system by operationalising the Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, equipped with ICU, oncology, and imaging units, alongside improved dispensaries and maternity wards.
Through the Wezesha Kirinyaga Initiative, the respondents say she empowered households in poultry, avocado, tomato, dairy, and beekeeping sectors.
She also spearheaded road construction, market infrastructure, fire response services, and land title issuance in previously unregistered settlements.
George Natembeya
Natembeya has prioritized healthcare with the near-completion of Tom Mboya Mother and Baby Hospital and the construction of maternity theatres.
His food security initiative, “Fukuza Njaa,” supported over 250,000 households with free farm inputs and promoted massive tree planting.
He also improved education access through bursaries, modernized TVETs, and introduced a free milk program for ECDE learners.
Simba Arati
As the governor of Kisii County, Simba Arati launched the Simba Education Fund to sponsor bright but needy students in high school and universities.
He also rolled out the Simba Shelter Program, constructing homes for vulnerable families. His administration has been recognized for swift community response, especially in education and social welfare matters.
Fatuma Achani
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has focused on boosting tourism by promoting Diani Beach and local heritage.
She, the respondents said, has expanded rural health services, especially maternal and child health, and launched empowerment programs for youth through vocational training and business startups.
Wavinya Ndeti
Machakos Governor Wavinya has initiated water access projects, including borehole drilling and construction of water pans.
She equipped hospitals with modern medical tools and ambulances to enhance healthcare. Her administration has supported youth and women through training programs, SME support, and digital bursary disbursement systems.
Kenneth Lusaka
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka laid the groundwork for Bungoma’s county governance during his first term by setting up administrative departments and policies. He later served as Senate Speaker, championing county interests and devolution.
Upon his return, he introduced automated systems to streamline revenue collection and enhance public accountability.
Stephen Sang
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang expanded healthcare access by allocating over a third of the county budget to health services, constructing ICU units, and building modern maternity wards.
He drastically reduced maternal deaths through improved facilities and health staffing. His administration introduced digital health records and automated medical supplies tracking to improve service delivery.
Irungu Kang’ata
Murang’a Govenor Irungu Kang’ata improved market access for farmers by brokering deals with major buyers for produce such as mangoes and milk.
He launched an ambitious road tarmacking program across rural areas. His maternal health plan incentivized pregnant mothers to attend antenatal clinics by offering cash rewards.
Julius Malombe
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe invested in water projects by drilling boreholes, extending pipelines, and supporting water harvesting efforts.
He improved road infrastructure to connect rural areas and boost economic activity. He also upgraded health facilities by constructing and renovating maternity units and dispensaries.
