A recent survey conducted by the Consortium of Researchers on Governance, unveiled at the White Rhino Hotel in Nyeri Town, indicates Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the predominant leader in the Mount Kenya region, boasting an impressive 86.1% approval rating.
Utilizing a sample size representative of registered voters across 64 constituencies as outlined in the IEBC 2022 Voters Register, the survey underscores Gachagua’s reputation as a leader dedicated to providing regional solutions to the pressing issues confronting the area. This commitment has garnered him widespread acclaim across the ten counties comprising the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua’s substantial approval rating, drawn from data collected between March 19th and March 29th, 2024, distinctly outshines that of his contemporaries in the political arena. The survey data illuminates a significant disparity between his endorsement and that of other leaders, underscoring his unparalleled popularity.
Notably, Gachagua’s appeal transcends demographic boundaries within the region, indicating a broad-based support system spanning various segments of the population. With a targeted sample size of 4,000 registered voters across the ten counties, the survey achieved a response rate of 3,266 individuals, with a gender distribution of 54.3% male and 45.7% female, ensuring a 95% confidence level with a margin of error at 2.3%.
The survey highlights Gachagua as a competent leader actively involved in tackling the challenges faced by the region while championing its interests on the national stage. Key concerns identified by respondents include illicit brew (22.9%), coffee (19.3%), unemployment (18.1%), tea (16%), with lesser mentions of macadamia and avocados at 3.2% and 2.6% respectively. Additional issues affecting residents collectively accounted for 3.2% of responses.
Gachagua’s steadfast support for agricultural development resonates deeply with Mount Kenya farmers, particularly those involved in the tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and dairy sectors. His initiatives aim to address production concerns and enhance profitability, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.