Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has been ranked Kenya’s highest-performing parliamentarian in the latest nationwide survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting released on July 1.
The survey, one of the largest of its kind in Kenya, highlights how constituents continue to judge their elected representatives more heavily on tangible local development and accessibility than on national legislative achievements alone.
Conducted between January and May 2026, the poll interviewed 87,286 respondents across all 47 counties, 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards. Researchers used Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews and ensured a minimum of 300 respondents per constituency. Participants rated lawmakers on a 1-to-10 scale, with averages converted into overall approval percentages.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga placed second nationally with 78%, followed by Taveta MP John Bwire at 76%. Belgut MP Nelson Koech scored 73%, tying with several others including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro for a spot among the country’s top performers.
Additional high scorers at 72% included Aldai MP Marianne Kitany and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako.
Kenya’s constitution tasks MPs with legislation, oversight of the executive, and representing their constituents. In practice, however, public expectations often center on visible local development—bursaries, school construction, roads, and other projects funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). Successive election campaigns have reinforced this focus on tangible results at the grassroots level.
“Many voters judge MPs based on their accessibility and delivery of development projects,” Infotrak observed. The firm added that this emphasis stems from how MPs themselves charmed their constituents and from the high visibility of constituency-level spending.
Regional standouts
In the Western region, Kalasinga led with 78%, ahead of Kimilili’s Didmus Barasa (73%) and Mumias East’s Peter Salasya (72%). Rift Valley saw strong performances from Koech, Kiborek, Kimaiyo and Samburu West MP Josephine Lesuuda, all above 70%.
Nairobi was dominated by Owino’s 80%, with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi a distant second on 65%. In Nyanza, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita topped the list at 71%. At the Coast, Taveta’s John Bwire led with 76%, while Eastern region honours went to Mbooni MP Erastus Nzioka (71%).
Central Kenya was headed by Ndindi Nyoro and Mukurweini’s John Kaguchia, both on 73%. In North Eastern, Eldas MP Adan Keynan led with 63%.
Infotrak emphasised that the ratings capture ordinary “wananchi” perceptions of how well MPs are fulfilling their roles.
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