Several politicians expected to contest Kenya’s 2027 gubernatorial elections have emerged among the country’s highest-rated elected leaders in a new nationwide survey by research firm Infotrak, underscoring their growing political influence ahead of the polls.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has declared his bid for the Nairobi governorship, topped the ranking of Members of Parliament with an 80 percent approval rating, while Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango led the Senate category with 69 percent.
According to the survey, respondents cited legislators’ prudent use of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), accessibility to constituents, participation in parliamentary debates and implementation of development projects as the key factors influencing their ratings.
Infotrak found that lawmakers who scored highly had effectively utilized NG-CDF allocations to provide education bursaries, improve local infrastructure and maintain a strong presence in their constituencies.
The survey also indicates that public approval could play a significant role in shaping the 2027 gubernatorial races, with more than 20 top-performing legislators having already declared their intention to seek county chief positions.
Following Owino in the parliamentary rankings were Kabuchai MP Joseph Kalasinga with 78 percent, while Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Taveta MP John Okano Bwire tied for third place with 76 percent each.
Other legislators receiving strong approval ratings included Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, and Belgut MP Nelson Koech, all with 73 percent.
In the Senate category, Murango emerged as the highest-rated senator, while Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina was ranked the country’s top-performing female legislator with a 67 percent approval rating.
Murango has earned recognition for championing agricultural reforms, including efforts to remove levies on green tea leaves, maintain restrictions on raw macadamia exports and push for better prices for farmers.
The survey further shows that several of the top-rated legislators including Mark Nyamita (Migori), David Ochieng (Siaya), Mohammed Ali (Mombasa), Omboko Milemba (Vihiga) and James Gakuya (Nairobi)—are positioning themselves for gubernatorial contests in the August 2027 General Election.
Political analysts say the findings provide an early measure of public confidence in potential gubernatorial candidates. However, they note that party nominations, coalition politics and campaign dynamics will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 races.
