A new report by Timely Kenya has revealed that Kenyans are losing faith in several governors, including Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja, Nakuru’s Susan Kihika, and Kirinyaga’s Ann Waiguru.
The report ranked these leaders among the ten governors with declining public approval.
Top-Performing Governors
On the other hand, the study highlighted the top-performing governors in Kenya, with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata emerging as the best with an approval rating of 83%.
He was followed closely by Kisii Governor Simba Arati at 78%, while Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani secured the third position with a 77.4% rating.
Other governors who performed well in the rankings included:
- Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir) – Fourth place
- Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) – Fifth place
- Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) – Sixth place
- Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok) – Seventh place
- Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) – Eighth place
- George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia) – Ninth place
- Lati Lelelit (Samburu) – Tenth place
Declining Approval for Some Governors
While some governors received high praise, others have been facing growing dissatisfaction from the public. The report indicated that the following governors are losing public trust:
- Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi)
- Ann Waiguru (Kirinyaga)
- Susan Kihika (Nakuru)
- Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni)
- Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay)
- Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega)
- Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu)
- Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi)
- Abdulswamad Sheriff (Mombasa)
- Adan Khalifa (Mandera)
Reasons for the Decline in Approval
The report, which analyzed findings from 2022 to 2024 based on a sample size of 5,800 people from all 47 counties, found that Kenyans tend to lose faith in their governors due to various issues. These include:
- Unpopular policies
- Mismanagement of public funds
- Mishandling of crises
- Poor economic decisions
Controversies Surrounding Some Governors
Some governors on the list have been in the spotlight for controversial reasons.
- Susan Kihika (Nakuru) has faced criticism for taking an extended maternity leave in the United States. A Nakuru resident even went as far as filing a petition addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, asking for her deportation back to Kenya.
- Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) has been accused of county mismanagement, cases of underdevelopment, and the presence of ghost workers on the payroll. These issues have significantly affected his leadership credibility.
- Ann Waiguru (Kirinyaga) has faced backlash over allegations of corruption and inefficiencies in her administration.
Additionally, some governors have seen their approval ratings drop due to political disagreements with Kenyans, particularly regarding their stance on President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
Performance in Education
The report also assessed governors based on their performance in improving education in their counties. Those who ranked at the bottom in this area included:
- Kawira Mwangaza (Meru) (before her impeachment)
- Achilo Ayacko (Migori)
- Gaddae Godhana (Tana River)
- Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado)
- Paul Otuoma (Busia)
Meanwhile, the governors who excelled in promoting education were:
- Stephen Sang (Nandi)
- Fatuma Achani (Kwale)
- Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu)
- George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia)
- Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a)
Infrastructure and Road Development
Despite his declining approval rating, Johnson Sakaja was ranked as the governor with the most extensive road network projects. He was followed by:
- Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a)
- Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos)
- Simba Arati (Kisii)
- Lati Lelelit (Samburu)
A Major Improvement for Wamatangi
This report also highlighted a remarkable improvement for Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
In a previous survey by Insight Strategists Solutions Africa, conducted in September 2023 in collaboration with City Hub Company Limited, Wamatangi was ranked 43rd with an approval rating of just 22.4%.
However, in the latest Timely Kenya report, he has jumped to eighth place, showing significant progress in his leadership performance.
Meanwhile, Sakaja, who has been struggling with governance challenges, was ranked among the bottom 10 governors in the same September 2023 survey, scoring a low 33.2% approval rating.
Conclusion
The Timely Kenya report has highlighted the shifting public perception of county governors. While some leaders have gained recognition for their development efforts, others are losing favor due to governance issues, mismanagement, and political controversies.
This ranking serves as a reflection of how Kenyans perceive their leaders based on service delivery and leadership effectiveness.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
