Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has emerged as Kenya’s best-performing county chief in the latest governance rankings, cementing her reputation as one of the country’s most effective leaders under the devolved system of government.
The rankings recognize ten governors whose administrations have stood out for exemplary service delivery, infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, education, water access, agricultural transformation, and prudent management of public resources.
Waiguru secured the top position following her administration’s sustained investment in transformative development projects across Kirinyaga County.
Her government has expanded and modernized healthcare facilities, improved irrigation and agricultural value chains to increase farmers’ incomes, and implemented key road and water infrastructure projects that have enhanced connectivity and livelihoods.
Beyond county leadership, Waiguru has also gained national prominence after being identified among the most preferred leaders for the position of Deputy President (running mate) in future political alignments.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata ranked second after earning widespread recognition for strengthening healthcare services, expanding bursary and scholarship programmes for students, and accelerating investments in roads, water infrastructure, and digital service delivery that have improved efficiency in county operations.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya claimed the third position, with his administration receiving praise for improving road infrastructure, upgrading public health facilities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, and strengthening markets to spur local economic growth.
Narok Governor Joseph Ole Lenku was ranked fourth following significant investments in clean water projects, enhanced healthcare services, and tourism infrastructure that continues to strengthen the county’s position as one of Kenya’s leading tourism destinations.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati secured the fifth position after overseeing improvements in road infrastructure, urban renewal programmes, enhanced county revenue collection, and the modernization of healthcare facilities to improve service delivery.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani emerged sixth, with her administration being recognized for expanding maternal and child healthcare programmes, increasing access to clean water, and investing in vocational training and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich was placed seventh following notable investments in rural road networks, irrigation and water projects, as well as education programmes through bursaries and the expansion of Early Childhood Development centres.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi ranked eighth after his administration accelerated the upgrading of county hospitals, expanded road infrastructure, supported urban renewal projects, and strengthened youth empowerment and agricultural development programmes.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi took the ninth position after making remarkable progress in expanding access to clean water through strategic borehole projects, improving healthcare services in remote areas, and strengthening drought resilience and livestock support programmes.
Rounding off the top ten is Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., whose administration continues to receive accolades for strengthening the county’s universal healthcare programme, expanding water harvesting and irrigation initiatives, and promoting industrialization and value-addition projects to boost local economic growth and job creation.
The latest rankings reflect the growing emphasis on performance, accountability, and development under Kenya’s devolved system of governance. As counties continue to compete in delivering quality services to residents, the top ten governors have distinguished themselves through policies and projects that have positively transformed the lives of their people.
Their performance highlights the critical role of visionary leadership in accelerating socio-economic development and demonstrates how effective county governments can complement national efforts in improving the welfare of citizens across the country.
