Infotrak Research and Consulting Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho has revealed the criteria used to rank the best-performing Members of Parliament (MPs) and other leaders in their polls.
Ambitho disclosed the criteria following the release of the latest rankings, which saw Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino ranked as the best legislator, scoring 72%.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, February 12, the Infotrak CEO explained that the rankings are based on the Countrytrak Performance Index 2024. Elected leaders were ranked by residents from all 47 counties, 290 constituencies, and 1,450 wards, with 39,795 participants.
According to her, the influence of an elected leader over the allocation and use of public funds (CDF/County funds) is one of the main factors considered by respondents.
How Infotrak polls were conducted
Other key factors included accessibility and responsiveness to constituents, as well as participation in legislative debates and motions.
“We basically leave the respondents to determine and decipher based on their interactions with their leaders what it is they feel the performance of that leader is. It would encompass a couple of things the first is obviously development. That is very critical, particularly how the Members of Parliament use the funds that are allocated to them, the NG-CDF,” she said.
“Of course, then it is based on accessibility. Many members of the electorate complain that many MPs cannot be reached, and you cannot find them to discuss development issues and how you can solve the problems they are facing. The other thing is the legislative duties partaken by the MPs what they actually do in the House in terms of passing Bills being active and at the forefront of fighting for the citizens.”
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Delivery on campaign promises by leaders was also a key factor considered.
Founded in 2004, Infotrak provides a wide range of research services, including public policy and social research, consumer and market research, and performance evaluations for county governments.
The firm is known for its opinion polls and surveys, which offer insights into public perceptions and trends across various sectors.
While explaining the reason behind the survey, Angela Ambitho stated that its purpose was to help elected leaders understand how the electorate feels about their performance, rather than to shame them.
2024 ranking of elected leaders
On Wednesday, Infotrak ranked MP Babu Owino as the best-performing lawmaker nationwide, with an overall performance score of 72%.
Ambitho, while addressing the press during the report release, commended MP Owino for his aggressiveness and consistent engagement with the firm to gauge his own performance.
“Babu is very clear about numbers…Every quarter he engages us to find out how his constituents feel about his leadership and areas he can improve on,” the Infotrak CEO said.
Also Read: Babu Owino Ranked the Best MP in Kenya
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro came a close second in the report, receiving a 71% approval rating, while his Kabuchai counterpart Joseph Kalasinga and Kathiani’s Robert Mbui tied at third place with 62%.
Peter Salasya (Mumias East), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), John Waluke (Sirisia), and Erastus Nzioka (Mbooni) wrapped up the top five best performances, all with a 61% score.
In the Senate, Makueni’s Dan Maanzo and his Kirinyaga counterpart Kamau Murango tied in first place for best performers at 52%.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, on his part, was ranked as the top Governor with the most impact in terms of devolution.
Kang’ata received a 68 per cent rating, followed by Trans Nzoia’s George Natembeya who got 64 per cent, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga (61 per cent), and Kisumu’s Anyang’ Nyong’o (59 per cent).
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