A new poll released by Kenya Track Research & Consulting has ranked the country’s top performing county chiefs, placing Dhadho Godhana of Tana River County at the top with an impressive approval rating of 82.4 percent.
The nationwide performance rating report evaluates governors based on public perception of service delivery, development impact, and overall leadership within their counties. Conducted between March 2 and March 5, 2026, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of how citizens assess the effectiveness of devolved governance across the country.
According to the pollsters, the research employed a random multi-stage stratified sampling methodology to ensure balanced national representation. The study interviewed 12,589 registered voters aged 18 and above through telephonic household interviews. The survey achieved a 94 percent confidence level with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.554 percent.
The demographic distribution included 54 percent male and 46 percent female respondents, with participants drawn from both rural areas (55 percent) and urban settings (45 percent), reflecting a broad cross-section of Kenyan society.
The survey places Governor Dhadho Godhana firmly at the summit of Kenya’s county leadership rankings, reflecting strong public approval for his administration’s development initiatives in Tana River.
Following closely behind is Irungu Kang’ata of Murang’a County with 72.2 percent, while James Orengo of Siaya County takes third place with 70.5 percent.
In fourth position is Simba Arati of Kisii County at 70.1 percent, followed by Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay County who secures fifth place with 68.5 percent.
Other governors featured among the top performers include Joshua Irungu of Laikipia County with 67.4 percent, Gideon Mung’aro of Kilifi County at 66.4 percent, and Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet County who records 66.2 percent.
Also appearing in the rankings are Andrew Mwadime of Taita Taveta County with 66.0 percent, Kimani Wamatangi of Kiambu County at 65.9 percent, and Mutula Kilonzo Jr. of Makueni County with 65.1 percent.
Further down the list are Susan Kihika of Nakuru County at 65.3 percent, Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County with 64.0 percent, and Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok County who posts 63.7 percent.
Rounding off the top fifteen is Cecily Mbarire of Embu County with 59.2 percent, completing a list that highlights governors whose leadership has resonated strongly with residents across their counties.
The Kenya Track Poll serves as a key indicator of public sentiment regarding county leadership, offering insight into how Kenyans evaluate the performance of their governors in delivering development, strengthening services, and advancing the promise of devolution.
