Miano and Ruku Rated Top Performers

NAIROBI, KENYA – In the latest assessment of President William Ruto's administration, Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) have been ranked as the top-performing ministers, according to a new national survey. The poll, conducted by Kenya Track Survey between Friday, October 1, 2025, and Friday, October 23, 2025, indicates a significant shift in public perception regarding the effectiveness of the cabinet.

The survey, which sampled 7,987 respondents across the country, placed Ms. Miano at the pinnacle of the rankings with an impressive 81% approval rating. Citizens lauded her for her leadership in revitalizing Kenya's crucial tourism sector, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts, and successfully promoting the nation as a premier sustainable travel destination. Following closely, Mr. Ruku earned a 79% approval score for his recognized efforts to streamline government operations, improve efficiency within the civil service, and drive accountability through digital integration.

Shifting Fortunes and Public Scrutiny

The latest rankings present a dynamic view of public opinion when compared to earlier polls. A separate survey by Kenya Track Survey, released on Monday, September 1, 2025, had placed Mr. Ruku in the lead, with Ms. Miano in second place. That poll commended Ruku for implementing digital platforms that reduced bureaucratic delays in public service. Ms. Miano was recognized for her dual focus on reviving tourism and empowering local communities through conservation initiatives.

The variance in rankings throughout 2024 and 2025 underscores the volatile nature of public approval and the intense scrutiny under which the cabinet operates. For instance, a TIFA Research poll from Thursday, May 2, 2024, had positioned Ms. Miano among the poorest performers. Conversely, a Mizani Africa survey released on Thursday, May 9, 2024, rated her as the best-performing and most transformative cabinet member, citing achievements such as the launch of the Karibu Business Support Centre. Similarly, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi's ratings have fluctuated. A Politrack Africa report on Thursday, April 18, 2024, ranked him as the second-best performing CS, attributing his success to reforms in the agricultural sector. However, a Micro-Track Africa poll on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, found him to be the lowest-performing minister.

Implications for Governance in Kenya

These performance evaluations, while varying in their results, collectively point to a Kenyan public that is increasingly focused on measurable outcomes and effective service delivery. The high ratings for Miano and Ruku in the most recent poll reflect public appreciation for visible progress in key economic and governance sectors. For the Ruto administration, these surveys serve as a critical feedback mechanism, highlighting areas where policy interventions are resonating with the populace and where challenges remain.

The consistent high ranking of initiatives related to digital transformation, public service efficiency, and economic revival (such as tourism) suggests these are priority areas for Kenyans. As the administration moves forward, the performance of its cabinet will remain a central issue, directly influencing citizen trust and the overall pace of national development. The Ministry of Defence, for its part, underwent its 21st annual performance contract evaluation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, an exercise aimed at strengthening accountability and efficiency across government departments.

Other Notable Performers

The October 2025 Kenya Track Survey also recognized other cabinet members for their contributions. William Kabogo, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, secured the third position with a 78% approval rating for his work in expanding digital inclusion and supporting Kenya's tech innovation agenda. Other ministers acknowledged for their positive impact in earlier 2025 polls include Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs) for championing sustainable resource management, and Aden Duale (Health) for his efforts in strengthening public health systems.

The continuous evaluation of cabinet performance by various independent pollsters reflects a robust democratic space and provides an essential platform for public discourse on governance. The findings emphasize that for Kenyans, strong, accountable leadership within government ministries is fundamental to building a resilient and prosperous nation.