A new opinion poll by TIFA Research has placed Allan Kosgey firmly at the top of the race for Governor of Nandi County, with the former Chief Administrative Secretary emerging as the preferred candidate among voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the poll conducted between August 24 and 28, 2026, Kosgey commands 62.1 percent support among respondents asked who they would vote for as governor if elections were held today.
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| From left; Allan Kosgey, Ruth Bungei and Senator Samson Cherargei (Photo Courtesy) |
Former Kilibwoni MCA and current Woman Representative Cynthia Muge follows with 18.1 percent, while Julius Melly records 9.4 percent. Cleophas Lagat has 4.2 percent, Zaccius Rop 3.1 percent, Joshua Kiptoo 2.2 percent, Anderson Serem 0.6 percent and Stanley Baliach 0.4 percent.
The figures give Kosgey a substantial lead over his closest challenger, although the poll represents voter preference at the time of the survey and does not necessarily predict the final outcome of the 2027 election.
Cherargei leads Senate race
In the Senate race, incumbent Senator Samson Cherargei is also shown with a significant advantage.
Cherargei records 60.4 percent, followed by Alex Kosgey at 25.7 percent. Robinson Chirchir Malaria records 9.0 percent, while other candidates attract less than four percent each.
Closely watched Woman Representative race
The Woman Representative contest appears considerably more competitive.
Ruth Bungei leads the field with 29 percent, followed by Clarah Melly at 25.9 percent. Joyline Jepleting records 12.9 percent, while Noeline Maru has 11.5 percent. Other candidates trail further behind.
The relatively narrow gap between the top two candidates makes the Woman Representative contest one of the more closely contested countywide races highlighted by the poll.
Constituency races
The poll also gives an early indication of the parliamentary races across Nandi County.
In Aldai, Marianne Kitany leads with 64.9 percent, followed by Cornelly Serem at 17.5 percent.
In Chesumei, Wilson Kogo leads with 28.2 percent, followed by Eliud Bassy at 18.7 percent and Eric Korir at 18.4 percent.
In Emgwen, Josses Lelmengit is ahead with 42.8 percent, followed by Zipporah Kering at 21.4 percent.
In Mosop, Vincent Tuwei leads with 46.7 percent, followed by Abraham Kirwa at 18.9 percent.
In Nandi Hills, Elijah Sawe leads with 47.8 percent, followed by Bernard Kitur at 21.2 percent.
The Tinderet race is significantly tighter, with Peter Leley leading at 29 percent, narrowly ahead of Jonah Biwott at 28.9 percent.
What the poll says about Nandi politics
The poll presents a mixed picture of the emerging 2027 political contest in Nandi. While the gubernatorial and senatorial races show sizeable leads for the front runners, some parliamentary contests, particularly Tinderet and Chesumei, appear much more competitive.
With the election still months away, the figures are best viewed as a snapshot of voter preferences rather than a final prediction. Candidate campaigns, political alliances, development records and voter mobilisation could significantly influence the standings as the election approaches.
For now, however, from the TIFA survey one thing is clear: Allan Kosgey is holding a commanding lead in the Nandi gubernatorial race, while several other contests remain wide open.