Governor Hopefuls Receive Major Political Boost as Infotrak Ranks Them Among Kenya’s Best-Performing Lawmakers
Several Members of Parliament and senators preparing to contest gubernatorial seats in the 2027 General Election have received a significant political boost after emerging among Kenya’s highest-rated legislators in a new nationwide performance survey conducted by research firm Infotrak.
The rankings, released after an extensive survey conducted between January and May 2026, are expected to inject fresh momentum into the campaigns of aspiring governors, many of whom are hoping to convince voters that their parliamentary record can translate into effective county leadership.
Infotrak assessed lawmakers on their constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight, while also considering public perception on delivery of campaign promises, accessibility, transparency, accountability, stewardship of public resources, visible development and media visibility.
The findings suggest that many of the politicians seeking county leadership already enjoy strong grassroots support, setting the stage for highly competitive gubernatorial contests across the country and increasing pressure on several incumbent governors seeking re-election.
Babu Owino Tops National Rankings
Nationally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino emerged as Kenya’s best-performing Member of Parliament, strengthening his credentials as he prepares to challenge Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in next year’s gubernatorial election.
Other MPs who ranked highly and are also pursuing governorships include Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron.
Their respective gubernatorial ambitions span several counties.
Barasa is seeking to capture the Bungoma governorship, while Nyamita hopes to unseat Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko. Mohammed Ali is eyeing the Mombasa governorship, while David Ochieng’ intends to challenge Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Melly is seeking the Nandi governorship, Ruth Odinga and Joshua Oron are targeting Kisumu, Elsie Muhanda is contesting in Kakamega, Omboko Milemba is seeking the Vihiga seat, while Makali Mulu hopes to become Kitui’s next governor.
Senators Also Register Strong Performance
The survey also highlighted several senators expected to enter gubernatorial races.
Among those ranked highly were Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Their strong ratings are likely to feature prominently in campaign messaging as the race for county leadership gathers pace.
Independent Validation Ahead of 2027
For many of the aspirants, the rankings provide more than favourable publicity.
The independently conducted survey offers measurable evidence of their performance in office at a time when Kenyan voters are increasingly demanding accountability, development and tangible service delivery from elected leaders.
However, political analysts caution that popularity within a parliamentary constituency does not automatically translate into victory across an entire county.
Political scientist Prof. Gitile Naituli argued that parliamentary approval ratings alone may not determine gubernatorial outcomes.
“Opinion polls will not help the hopefuls. Parliament has gotten a bad name as a branch of the Executive,” Prof. Naituli told The Star.
He noted that county elections are often influenced by wider political dynamics, including party popularity, ethnic alliances, regional voting patterns, campaign financing and coalition politics.
How the Survey Was Conducted
According to Infotrak, the nationwide study covered all 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards across Kenya.
The survey interviewed 87,286 respondents using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), with county sample sizes ranging between 738 and 5,100 respondents depending on population.
Researchers said the study achieved a 95 per cent confidence level, while responses were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Participants rated MPs, senators and woman representatives on a scale of one to ten, with average constituency scores determining each lawmaker’s final ranking.
Explaining the methodology, Infotrak noted that although Members of Parliament have clearly defined constitutional responsibilities, public perception often extends beyond legislation and oversight.
“Members of Parliament have a constitutional role to represent their constituencies, legislate and exercise oversight. Yet in public perception, MPs are also closely associated with local development because of the visibility of NG-CDF-funded projects such as bursaries, classrooms, school infrastructure and community facilities,” the report stated.
National Rankings
Behind Babu Owino in the national MP rankings were Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Taveta MP John Bwire, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek.
The top 15 also included Gideon Kipkoech (Keiyo South), Nelson Koech (Belgut), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Marianne Kitany (Aldai), Peter Salasya (Mumias East), Jackson Lekumontare (Samburu East), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Erastus Nzioka (Mbooni), Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe) and Walter Owino (Awendo).
Among senators, Kamau Murango topped the national rankings ahead of John Methu, Joel Nyutu, Samson Cherargei, Aaron Cheruiyot, Vincent Kiprono, Richard Onyonka and Dan Maanzo.
Other highly ranked senators included Edwin Sifuna, Steve Lelegwe, Ali Roba, Enoch Wambua, Julius Murgor, Hillary Sigei and Jackson Mandago.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Maina emerged as the country’s top-performing Woman Representative, followed by Rael Kasiwai, Pauline Lenguris, Elsie Muhanda, Rose Mumo, Cecilia Ngitit, Cynthia Muge, Bensuda Osogo and Irene Kasalu.
Regional Performance
The survey also broke down rankings by region.
In Nairobi, Babu Owino led with an 80 per cent approval rating ahead of Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.
Western Kenya was topped by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga with 78 per cent, followed by Didmus Barasa and Peter Salasya.
Mark Nyamita emerged as Nyanza’s highest-rated MP, while John Bwire led the Coast region.
Erastus Nzioka topped Eastern Kenya, Ndindi Nyoro led Central Kenya, Nelson Koech featured among Rift Valley’s strongest performers, while Eldas MP Adan Keynan ranked highest in North Eastern.
Murango Credits Legislative Record
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango attributed his performance to legislation and advocacy for farmers.
“I am ranked at the top because of what I have been doing for my people. I sponsored the Coffee Bill that brought reforms. I sponsored a Bill to remove Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act that hurt macadamia farmers,” he told The Star.
He added that he helped mediate reforms affecting the coffee and sugar sectors, opposed rice imports to protect local farmers and championed an affirmative allocation of Sh4.4 billion for marginalised counties during revenue-sharing negotiations.
Political Significance
The Infotrak rankings come as political activity intensifies across Kenya, with prospective candidates quietly building campaign structures and alliances ahead of the official start of the 2027 election season.
For governor hopefuls who featured prominently in the survey, the findings provide an early endorsement of their leadership record and may strengthen their appeal to voters looking for proven performance.
Even so, analysts say the race for county leadership will ultimately be decided by far more than parliamentary popularity, with party machinery, regional coalitions, campaign resources and local political dynamics expected to play a decisive role once campaigns officially begin.
Also Read: KMTC Launches UK-Backed eLearning Programme to Improve Kenya’s Emergency Response