A recent Politrack Africa survey indicates that a majority of Kenyan respondents are open to having a woman as Deputy President. The poll found that 53% of respondents are ready for Kenya to have its first female Deputy President. However, 48% expressed reservations about the possibility. The survey was conducted between September 15 and 25, 2026, with 20,419 respondents participating from all 47 counties.
The Politrack survey revealed varying levels of readiness among respondents for a female Deputy President. While 16% were "very ready," 36% were "somewhat ready." On the other hand, 27% said they were "not very ready," and 21% stated they were "not at all ready." The poll's margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points, with a confidence level of 95%. The sample was drawn from all 47 counties, weighted based on each county's share of the registered-voter population.
Among respondents open to a woman taking the position, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru emerged as the most preferred candidate, with 36% of the preference. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua followed with 27%, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at 15%. Nine percent declined to state their preference, while 7% said they were not sufficiently familiar with the candidates to make a choice. Other candidates accounted for 6%.
The survey also highlighted divided public opinion on the matter. While a majority expressed some level of openness to a female Deputy President, a sizeable share remains hesitant. This ambivalence reflects in previous surveys on the topic. In March 2022, a TIFA Research survey found that 78% believed Kenya would have a female Deputy President. However, the same survey had a significantly smaller sample size of 1,541 respondents.
Previous surveys have also examined public opinion on women serving in senior executive positions. An Infotrak poll released in July 2026 asked participants to identify their preferred running mate for President William Ruto. Waiguru received 3%, while Wanga attracted 11%. Another Infotrak survey conducted in October 2024 showed Waiguru with 5% and Wanga with 4% in a hypothetical Deputy President preference poll.
The latest Politrack survey presents a different pattern of preference compared to previous polls. Waiguru, Karua, and Wanga featured prominently in the survey, with Waiguru leading at 36%. The findings suggest that while there is openness to a female Deputy President, specific candidates have varying levels of public support. The survey's results may influence future political discussions and candidate selections.
Overall, the Politrack survey provides insights into Kenyan public opinion on having a female Deputy President. Key points include Waiguru's lead in female Deputy President preference and a divided public view on the matter. As Kenya considers its future leadership, such surveys will likely continue to shape and reflect public opinion.
Key points
- Governor Anne Waiguru leads female Deputy President preference with 36%.
- 53% of respondents are open to having a woman as Deputy President.
- Public opinion on a female Deputy President remains divided.
