Kisii and Kakamega Governors Excel in Politrack Africa County Governance Index
In an exciting development for Kenyan governance, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa have both secured top positions in the recently released Politrack Africa County Governance Index for 2025. The report highlights their exemplary leadership, with each governor scoring an impressive 65%.
Overview of the County Governance Index
The Politrack Africa County Governance Index evaluates all 47 county governments in Kenya, utilizing a comprehensive framework that spans multiple performance indicators. These include service delivery, financial management, public participation, development performance, and citizen satisfaction. Released on December 8, the study provides a robust picture of local administration effectiveness across the nation.
The Top Performers
Arati and Barasa, both first-term governors, have been recognized for their significant achievements in various sectors. The report underscores their progress in infrastructure development, fiscal responsibility, and enhanced social services. Their scores reflect a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for residents of their respective counties.
Following closely behind them is Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, who garnered 63.2%, while Patrick Ole Ntutu from Narok achieved a score of 62.5%. Gladys Wanga from Homa Bay and Abdi Guyo from Isiolo also ranked well, with scores of 61.8% and 60.9%, respectively. The consistent performance among these governors indicates a trend of effective governance across different regions.
A Deeper Dive into Performance Metrics
The Politrack Africa study collected data from over 13,000 respondents, alongside expenditure insights from the Office of the Controller of Budget. Researchers found a clear correlation between high performance and improvements in essential services such as healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply, and agricultural support.
Simba Arati: A Model of Financial Innovation
Governor Simba Arati has earned accolades for implementing bold revenue reforms that transformed Kisii’s fiscal landscape. Notably, his administration fully transitioned to digital payments, leading to a remarkable 178% increase in own-source revenue. Additionally, he initiated the construction of a modern 300-bed maternal and child health wing at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, greatly enhancing local healthcare services.
Fernandes Barasa: A Visionary in Health and Industry
On the other hand, Governor Fernandes Barasa has made significant strides in health and economic recovery. His Kakamega Care universal health program, which expanded access to medical services, has been a cornerstone of his administration. Barasa also played a pivotal role in revitalizing Mumias Sugar Company and spearheading plans for a county industrial park aimed at attracting new manufacturing investments, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to economic development.
Recognizing Other Notable Leaders
The index not only highlights the top performers like Arati and Barasa but also gives due recognition to other governors who have exhibited effective governance. Waiguru, for instance, has operationalized a county industrial park while successfully rolling out the “Kicare” health model. Patrick Ole Ntutu and Gladys Wanga are equally commended for their adept fiscal management coupled with comprehensive development initiatives in their counties.
Emerging Leaders
Jonathan Bii from Uasin Gishu ranked seventh with a score of 58.5%, recognized for strategic agricultural investments in his key agricultural county. Joseph Mwangi from Laikipia and Fatuma Achani from Kwale followed closely with scores of 57.9% and 57.2%, respectively, both noted for their innovative service delivery models.
Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu also made the top ten with a score of 56.4%, continuing his focus on urban renewal and health systems while navigating political challenges.
The Struggles of Some Counties
While some counties demonstrated exceptional performance, others faced hurdles. For instance, Jeremiah Lomorukai of Turkana and Mohamed Adan Khalif of Mandera achieved scores of 54.3% and 53.6%, respectively, despite battling significant security and climate challenges that hampered their service delivery efforts.
The list continues with Irungu Kang’ata of Murang’a scoring 53.0%, Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir of Mombasa at 52.4%, and Stephen Sang of Nandi at 51.8%, each facing unique governance challenges yet working towards improving their administration.
The Bottom Tier
The lower tier of the rankings saw governors like James Orengo from Siaya at 51.5% and Andrew Mwadime from Taita Taveta at 51.1%. George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia rounded out the list with a score of 50.8%, recognized for ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
The Politrack Africa County Governance Index not only serves as a barometer for assessing governance quality across Kenyan counties but also provides insights into best practices and areas in need of improvement. The noteworthy performances of Arati and Barasa exemplify the potential of effective leadership to drive socio-economic progress in local communities, setting a benchmark for others to follow.