County governments across Kenya are proving to be critical drivers of grassroots development. A new survey by Kenya Track highlights the top-performing governors of 2025 who are steering impactful, people-centred projects that are reshaping their counties and improving the lives of citizens.
The Kenya Track opinion poll assessed leadership performance based on tangible development outcomes across sectors such as health, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment, and innovation. The report showcases how strong county leadership can foster inclusive growth and economic resilience. Below is how each governor ranked:
1. Dhadho Godhana – Tana River County
Governor Dhadho Godhana has led Tana River through a transformative development journey. His administration increased the county’s Own Source Revenue from KES 27 million in 2017 to KES 166 million in FY 2024/25 and reduced poverty from 62.6% to 56.4%. Key projects include:
- Upgrading Hola Hospital with a High Dependency Unit, maternity wing, and dialysis services.
- Launching the Agro-City Project to spur urban development and employment.
- Constructing the Daba Airstrip to enhance connectivity and investment.
- Expanding clean water access through the Kone Water Project.
2. Anne Waiguru – Kirinyaga County
Governor Waiguru continues to empower local farmers through the Wezesha Program, offering farm inputs and market linkages. Her administration has also:
- Upgraded Kerugoya Referral Hospital.
- Established youth innovation hubs that foster digital skills and entrepreneurship.
3. Irungu Kang’ata – Murang’a County
In Murang’a, Governor Kang’ata has championed infrastructure and healthcare transformation:
- Built extensive road and market networks to enhance rural trade.
- Set up a dialysis center at Murang’a Referral Hospital.
- Rolled out scholarships and outreach programs for vulnerable youth.
4. Abdi Guyo – Isiolo County
Governor Guyo has prioritized basic services in Isiolo’s arid and semi-arid lands:
- Improved water access via borehole drilling and pipeline expansion.
- Supported the livestock sector through modern slaughterhouses and market facilities.
- Promoted peace-building among pastoralist communities.
5. Susan Kihika – Nakuru County
Governor Kihika is leading efforts to address urban congestion and healthcare:
- Expanded rural access roads to boost agriculture and trade.
- Launched affordable housing programs.
- Upgraded Nakuru Level 5 Hospital to a teaching and referral facility.
6. Kimani Wamatangi – Kiambu County
Governor Wamatangi’s administration has focused on infrastructure and environmental sustainability:
- Implemented a robust road tarmacking program.
- Improved healthcare through upgraded facilities.
- Introduced modern solid waste collection and recycling systems.
7. Johnson Sakaja – Nairobi County
In Nairobi, Governor Sakaja has brought visible changes, especially in education and mobility:
- Rolled out a school feeding program benefiting thousands of public primary students.
- Enhanced urban mobility through non-motorized transport systems.
- Improved solid waste management in the capital.
8. Abdulswamad Sherrif – Mombasa County
Governor Abdulswamad is addressing long-standing urban issues in Mombasa:
- Improved drainage and road infrastructure to mitigate flooding.
- Boosted the blue economy to support youth jobs and fishing.
- Upgraded Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
9. Fernandes Barasa – Kakamega County
Governor Barasa is strengthening Kakamega’s economic and social infrastructure:
- Advanced completion of Bukhungu Stadium to promote sports and tourism.
- Introduced rural electrification projects.
- Promoted agricultural mechanization to improve food security.
10. Gladys Wanga – Homa Bay County
Governor Wanga is transforming livelihoods in fishing communities:
- Invested in roads and bridges for better connectivity.
- Modernized Homa Bay County Referral Hospital.
- Promoted fish farming and the blue economy to ensure food and income security.
The Kenya Track survey highlights that these governors excel through people-centered leadership, innovation in governance, transparency, and a relentless focus on essential services. They are proof that county-level leadership, when focused and inclusive, can drive sustainable transformation across Kenya.
As counties continue to evolve, these leaders set a benchmark for governance that others can emulate, ensuring that development is not just promised but delivered.
