As the sprint for the 2022 political contest continues to tighten by the day, some governors may not be easily defeated during the polls in which Kenyans will also elect the country's fifth president.
Five out of the current sitting county chiefs have strengthened their footprint in their respective areas of jurisdiction and politicians expecting to challenge them during the election will have to roll up their sleeves high in preparation for a political duel that may not turn out easy.
The five governors have been ranked high in the implementation of their development agenda as others are so close to the country's centre of power.
Their association with Kenya's most influential politicians gives them almost an automatic win for a second term in office.
They include Kirinyaga's Anne Waiguru, Kisumu's Professor Anyang Nyong'o, Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia, Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and Kiraitu Murungi (Meru).
Waiguru, Kimemia and Kiraitu enjoy a cordial relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta who is presently Mt Kenya region's head as Nyong'o is close to opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The five's association with Kenya's most powerful leaders only gives them a leeway during the coming campaigns. They may therefore not struggle hard to retain their seats.
Besides, Waiguru and Nyong'o are among the top three best performing county chiefs in the country.
Waiguru ranks third behind Makueni's Professor Kivutha Kibwana who is number one in performance and Nyong'o who is second best in performance.
Ngilu on the other hand is purely riding on her development record.
Her dalliance to the people of Kitui has given her constituents the confidence that she is best suited to continue leading one of Kenya's semi-arid counties.#hivisasaoriginal