With only a few hours left for Kenyans to turn up and choose their leaders, certain counties will be keenly observed as incumbent governors defend their seat.
Renowned political heavyweights are expected to square out with each other while in other areas, powerful newcomers have emerged with enviable financial muscles to boot.
In what is considered a walk from the norm where a party ticket of a certain party would guarantee one victory in the polls, Kenyans have shown a tendency of voting for personalities as opposed to political parties.
Here are some of the counties that will have a real battle.
Nairobi County
The nation’s capital, which is like the heartbeat, controls the country’s affairs and is one reason why both the Jubilee and NASA groups have been in a tussle to win the gubernatorial seat.
Incumbent Evans Kidero will face of with Mike Sonko, in what analysts say will be a titanic battle considering the popularity of the two.
Recent polls have place the two neck to neck and this will be the scenario come Tuesday when Kenyans will make their choice.
Mombasa County
The battle here will be between NASA alliance’s Ali Joho of ODM and Hassan Omar of Wiper, and Suleiman Shahbal of Jubilee.
Shahbal and Omar have been criticizing Joho, accusing him of failing to deliver on his mandate.
Kiambu County
It came as a shock when Ferdinand Waititu floored incumbent William Kabogo in the Jubilee Party primaries, only for Kabogo to say he will run as an independent candidate.
The two will now face off again what will be a close tie on Tuesday, and the country will be watching as the more than 1.2 million registered voters take to the polls.
Kirinyaga County
‘The battle of the women’ will see former CS Anne Waiguru come face to face with Narc Kenya chair Martha Karua.
President Kenyatta steered clear of the local politics when he visited the area, instead opting to leave the work of choosing their leader to the locals.
Whoever wins, it is clear that Kirinyaga will be the first county to elect a woman as their governor
Bomet County
Home to Isaac Ruto , one of Nasa’s principals, the county has the potential to have a female governor with Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso eyeing the seat.
Having clinched the Jubilee ticket in a resounding win, analysts argue that Ruto has a rough ride ahead.
Uasin Gishu
Incumbent Jackson Mandago won the Jubilee Party ticket against Zedekiah Bundotich during the nominations in April, prompting Bundotich to vie as an independent candidate.
The two challengers have been taking swipes at one another, and come Tuesday, the locals will line up to pick their governor in what will be a tight battle.
Other counties include;
1. Kisii - where incumbent James Ongwae will face off with Chris Obure
2. Busia - Where Paul Otwoma will square out with Sospeter Ojaamong
3. Kisumu - Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o will face incumbent Jack Ranguma