Leadership is measured not only by promises made during campaigns, but by the impact citizens experience every day. The latest CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 by Infotrak Research & Consulting offers a compelling snapshot of how Kenyans rate the performance of their Senators, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Women Reps, highlighting the growing importance of visibility, responsiveness, and meaningful engagement in public leadership.

How Kenyans Rate Their Senators

Senators occupy a unique position in Kenya's governance structure. Their constitutional mandate includes representing county interests, safeguarding devolution, legislating, and providing oversight. However, much of this work happens within Parliament and committee processes often away from the public eye.

The report finds that while institutional responsibilities remain critical, citizens increasingly judge Senators by how visible they are in championing county interests and communicating their achievements back home. Visibility, accessibility, oversight, and the ability to translate parliamentary work into tangible county benefits continue to shape public confidence.

Leading the national rankings is Kirinyaga Senator Hon. Kamau Murango, who scored 69%, followed closely by Nyandarua's Hon. John Methu (68%) and Murang'a's Hon. Joel Nyutu (65%). Other top-performing Senators include Hon. Samson Cherarkey (Nandi) and Hon. Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho).

The report also recognizes significant improvements in performance, with Marsabit Senator Hon. Mohamed Said Chute recording the largest jump from 39% in 2024 to 56% in 2026 followed by Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), James Lomenen (Turkana) and Hillary Sigei (Bomet).

What Makes a High-Performing MP?

For Members of Parliament, public expectations continue to extend beyond the constitutional roles of legislation and oversight.

According to the study, many Kenyans closely associate MPs with constituency development through NG-CDF projects, bursaries, schools, classrooms, and other visible community investments. As a result, MPs are often evaluated based on their presence within the constituency, accessibility to residents, responsiveness to local concerns, and the tangible value they deliver to communities.

When asked about the primary role of an MP, 53% of respondents identified managing and distributing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), while 49% cited representing constituencies in national legislation and policymaking. These findings underscore the dual expectations citizens place on their elected representatives.

Top Performers Set the Pace

The 2026 rankings showcase Members of Parliament who have consistently earned strong public confidence through their leadership and constituency engagement.

Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino tops the national rankings with an impressive 80%, followed by Kabuchai MP Hon. Joseph Kalasinga (78%), while Hon. John Bwire (Taveta) and Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) share third place with 76%. They are closely followed by a strong group of legislators, including Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, Hon. Didmus Barasa, Hon. Reuben Kiborek, Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo, and Hon. Nelson Koech, each recognized for their high performance ratings.

Improvement Matters

Beyond recognising top performers, the report highlights leaders who have demonstrated remarkable growth since the previous assessment.

Hon. Adan Keynan (Eldas) emerged as the Most Improved Member of Parliament, improving from 41% in 2024 to 63% in 2026. He is followed by Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Caroli Omondi (Suba South) and Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), reflecting significant progress in public perception and constituency performance.

The Bigger Picture

The CountyTrak Performance Index goes beyond rankings to reveal what citizens value most in their leaders.

As Kenya's democracy continues to evolve, the report provides valuable insights into public expectations and opportunities for stronger, more citizen-centred leadership.