By Ahmed Salat Ali AARAN TV KE political Affair
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been ranked among Kenya’s top-performing county leaders in a new nationwide devolution survey conducted by Timely Kenya, placing him alongside several of the country’s most highly rated governors.
The survey, carried out between March 20 and April 2, sampled 4,675 respondents through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) and reported a margin of error of ±1.3 per cent. It assessed county performance across key devolved sectors, including water, health, roads, education and agriculture.
According to the findings, Kisii Governor Simba Arati emerged as the top performer with an overall score of 81 per cent. He was followed by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi at 75 per cent. Wajir’s Ahmed Abdullahi secured a strong third position with 69 per cent, while Meru Governor Mutuma M’inthingia followed at 67 per cent.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang also featured prominently among the top-ranked county chiefs, underscoring a competitive field of performers in the 2026 devolution scorecard.
“The survey assessed county performance based on five key devolved functions: water, health, roads, education and agriculture,” the pollster stated. “Respondents rated each parameter on a scale of 1 to 10, with each point representing 10 per cent.”
The report paints a mixed picture of public confidence in devolution. While 44 per cent of respondents believe the system is working, a majority—56 per cent—feel it is not delivering effectively, highlighting a divided national outlook on county governance.
Despite these concerns, the survey credits devolution with improving access to essential services in several regions. Counties such as Kiambu, Kisii and Wajir stood out for their performance in critical sectors, including water access, healthcare delivery, education outcomes and agricultural support.
Governor Abdullahi’s ranking reflects steady gains in service delivery within Wajir, a county that has historically grappled with infrastructural and resource challenges. His administration’s performance places Wajir among the notable success stories in the evolving devolution landscape.
In sector-specific rankings, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o also featured among the top performers, demonstrating strong results in targeted service areas.
However, the report also highlights persistent inequalities. Counties such as Turkana, Mandera, Tana River, Nyamira, Isiolo and Siaya were ranked among the lowest performers, reflecting ongoing disparities in development and service delivery.
Analysts attribute these gaps to structural challenges, including corruption, mounting pending bills and weak accountability mechanisms.
“While devolution has brought services closer to the people, systemic inefficiencies and governance issues continue to hinder its full potential,” the report concludes.
The findings add to the growing national conversation on the effectiveness of devolution, now more than a decade since its introduction, as stakeholders call for reforms to strengthen transparency, efficiency and equitable development across all counties.
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