By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, July 1, 2026 - Kirinyaga leaders have emerged as the highest-rated Senator and Woman Representative in Kenya, according to the latest Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index, which reflects how citizens view the performance of their elected leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The survey ranked Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango as the country's best-performing senator with a 69 per cent approval rating, while Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina topped the list of women representatives with 67 per cent.
The findings are based on the views of 87,286 respondents interviewed across all 47 counties between January and May 2026.
Unlike assessments based on legislative output or public spending, the survey measured public perception of leadership, including accessibility, visibility, responsiveness, communication and stewardship of public resources.
Among senators, Nyandarua's John Methu ranked second with 68 per cent, followed by Joel Nyutu of Murang'a with 65 per cent. Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey came fourth at 64 per cent, while Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna tied in fifth place with 63 per cent.
Baringo Senator Vincent Kiprono, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo each scored 62 per cent, while Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe completed the top ten with 61 per cent.
In the Woman Representative category, Rael Kasiwai of West Pokot ranked second with 61 per cent, followed by Pauline Lenguris of Samburu and Elsie Muhanda of Kakamega, who both recorded 60 per cent.
Makueni Woman Representative Rose Mumo scored 58 per cent, followed by Turkana's Cecilia Ngitit with 56 per cent, Nandi's Cynthia Muge with 55 per cent, Homa Bay's Bensuda Osogo with 54 per cent, while Irene Kasalu of Kitui and Susan Nduyo of Tharaka Nithi each received 53 per cent.
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Infotrak said the rankings reflect how Kenyans evaluate their leaders beyond election campaigns.
"Elections give citizens the power to choose leaders. Between elections, citizens continue to observe, assess and judge the quality of leadership they receive. They observe whether leaders are present or absent," the research firm said.
It added that voters also assess whether leaders fulfil their promises and use public resources responsibly.
"They notice whether promises are followed by action and judge whether public resources appear to be used responsibly. They listen to what leaders say in public, and measure this against what they experience in daily life."
The latest survey comes as political leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with public approval expected to play a key role in shaping political campaigns and alliances.