Simba Arati Ranked Joint Best-Performing Governor in New National Index
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has been named Kenya’s joint top-performing county chief in a new nationwide governance assessment, placing him ahead of high-profile leaders such as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.
According to the latest County Governance Performance Index (CGPI), released following a detailed review of both public perception and fiscal records, Arati secured an overall score of 65.0 per cent, placing him in a tie with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. The score positions both leaders at the summit of Kenya’s county governance rankings for the year.
The report shows Waiguru, one of the country’s most recognisable county bosses, following closely with 63.2 per cent, while Narok’s Patrick Ole Ntutu posted 62.5 per cent.
Researchers said the findings reflect a “comprehensive and data-driven” process combining a public survey of 13,144 respondents with official fiscal data supplied by the Office of the Controller of Budget. The goal, the report notes, was to offer “a balanced assessment of leadership effectiveness across all devolved units.”
Key Metrics Examined
Governors were evaluated across four pillars, with service delivery accounting for the largest share of the overall score at 35 per cent. This included measurable progress in key devolved functions such as healthcare, agriculture, roads, water supply, early childhood development and vocational training.
Counties that demonstrated clear improvements in these sectors recorded the highest levels of citizen approval.
Another major consideration was fiscal stewardship (15 per cent), where counties were assessed on own-source revenue growth, audit compliance and the management of pending bills.
Counties showing stronger financial discipline scored significantly higher.
The remaining two indicators were economic development (15 per cent) and governance and leadership, which carried a weight of 25 per cent. The governance category measured strategic planning, transparency, responsiveness to public concerns and overall administrative effectiveness.
Other Strong Performers
Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga emerged fourth with 61.8 per cent, followed by Isiolo’s Abdi Ibrahim Guyo—often a politically divisive figure—who posted 60.9 per cent.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang completed the top six with 60.2 per cent.
Other governors in the top bracket include:
- Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu) – 58.5%
- Jonathan Lati Lelelit (Samburu) – 57.8%
- Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) – 57.1%
- Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) – 56.4%
Positions 11 to 20 reflected more modest but steady performance levels. Embu’s Cecily Mbarire ranked 11th with 55.7 per cent, followed by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku at 55.0 per cent.
Turkana’s Jeremiah Lomorukai placed 13th (54.3%), Mandera’s Mohamed Adan Khalif 14th (53.6%), and Murang’a’s Irungu Kang’ata 15th (53.0%). Mombasa’s Abdulswamad Nassir ranked 16th on 52.4 per cent, with Tana River’s Dhadho Godhana (51.9%), Siaya’s James Orengo (51.5%), and Taita Taveta’s Andrew Mwadime (51.1%) filling the next slots.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya completed the top 20 with a score of 50.8 per cent, despite recent political controversies surrounding his administration.
Contextual Challenges Considered
The index also highlights how context shaped the outcomes. Counties in arid and semi-arid regions—where leaders grapple with water scarcity, security issues and pastoralist economic pressures—were recognised for making progress despite operating with fewer resources.
“It was important that performance be assessed not just by raw numbers, but also by the unique challenges each county faces,” the report states. “Governors who innovated in the face of adversity received strong approval from residents.”
National Snapshot of Devolution
Analysts say the index offers a comprehensive picture of how governors are balancing fiscal management, service delivery and leadership responsibilities.
By merging quantitative financial data with public sentiment, the new ranking aims to guide future resource allocation and highlight areas where county governments can improve service delivery.
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Simba Arati Ranked Joint Best-Performing Governor in New National Index