Governor Anne Waiguru's champions of progress award
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been recognised with the Champions of Progress Award 2026 for her county’s sustainable development initiatives.
The award, presented by Swiss Poll International Research and Consultancy, recognises Waiguru’s leadership and development work in Kirinyaga County.
In a post on X, Waiguru said she was honoured to receive the award, adding that she shared the recognition with the people of Kirinyaga and her team.
The governor’s recognition comes amid another recent survey that ranked her as the country’s best-performing governor.
A poll by research firm Politrack Africa placed Waiguru at the top of its Thematic Governors Performance Index, which assessed all 47 governors on agriculture, health, water and public satisfaction.
Waiguru posted a composite score of 61.5 per cent and recorded the highest public satisfaction rating at 68 per cent.
Others are Nandi Governor Stephen Sang (52.8 per cent), Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (52.5 per cent), Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata (52.0 per cent) and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro (51.8 per cent).
Rounding out the top 10 are Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit (54.3 per cent), Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi (53.3 per cent) and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo (53.0 per cent).
According to the survey, county leadership performance continues to be shaped by service delivery, infrastructure development, and public engagement, with residents increasingly evaluating governors based on tangible development outcomes.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti was ranked second nationally and recognised for her public service framework dubbed Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni.
In the parliamentary rankings, Lugari MP Nabwera Daraja Nabii emerged third nationally and first in Kakamega County, with his performance assessed on constituency infrastructure development, electricity connectivity and bursary management.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya was ranked second nationally among Members of Parliament, while Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ngi’tit was listed among the top 15 Woman Representatives.
Swiss Poll also recognised excellence in supporting organisations through awards for human resource development, creativity and innovation, economic diversity and legal practice.
