Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has taken an early lead in the race to become the third governor of Uasin Gishu County ahead of the 2027 General Election.
A new survey by Politrack Africa places Bitok at 37.3 per cent, ahead of incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii.
Businessman and politician Zedekiah Buzeki Kiprop Bundotich follows in third place with 18.7 per cent, while David Kemei Rotuk has 8.4 per cent.
Gideon Kipngetich Nyokosei commands 5.9 per cent support, followed by Willy Kenei at 2.0 per cent, while 1.4 per cent of respondents remain undecided.
The latest findings add to a series of surveys that have placed Bitok ahead of his potential rivals, strengthening his position as one of the leading contenders for the Uasin Gishu governorship.
Bitok has previously expressed interest in the seat and is expected to make another attempt in 2027. His latest poll numbers suggest he is building considerable support ahead of what could become a closely contested race in the Rift Valley county.
A month ago, a Swiss Poll survey placed Bitok at 40.4 per cent, compared with Buzeki’s 27.8 per cent and Bii’s 21.9 per cent.
Similarly, a July Politrack Africa survey released last month gave Bitok 39.5 per cent support, ahead of Bii at 28.6 per cent and Buzeki at 17.8 per cent.
The consistency of the recent surveys is likely to intensify political activity in the county as potential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
For Governor Bii, the latest figures present an early challenge as he seeks to defend the seat he won in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.
Bii will have to convince voters of his administration’s performance while also countering Bitok’s growing popularity and the challenge posed by Buzeki.
Development priorities are expected to play a significant role in the contest. The county government is currently undertaking public participation for its 2027/2028 Annual Development Plan, with roads among the key issues residents want addressed.
Despite trailing Bitok and Bii, Buzeki’s 18.7 per cent support gives him a sizeable political base that could become significant as the race gathers momentum.
Buzeki has remained vocal on economic and agricultural issues affecting Uasin Gishu. He recently called for tax exemptions on electric-powered agricultural machinery and solar irrigation equipment, arguing that reducing production costs would support farmers and help lower food prices.
The businessman has also been advocating for greater agricultural value addition and manufacturing in the county, calling for more locally produced agricultural goods to be processed within Uasin Gishu.
With the 2027 election still months away, the latest polls offer only an early snapshot of voter preferences. However, Bitok’s consistent lead across recent surveys is likely to make the Uasin Gishu governor’s race one of the closely watched contests in the Rift Valley.
