MORAL DIMENSION OF LEADERSHIP ETHICS AND PERFORMANCE OF DEVOLVED GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The objective of the study was to establish how moral ethical leadership influence performance of devolved governments in Kenya.
Statement of the problem: Devolution is notably intended to improve service delivery to the people at the grassroots. The benefits of devolution include improving roads, improving medicine in healthcare facilities, improving lighting in the streets, among others. However, there has been a slow pace of implementing the budget, poor allocation of funds, and high refunds to the National Government. Similarly, the issue of pending bills continues to be a major economic policy challenge facing many county governments in Kenya.
Methodology: The target population was 329 county government officials. The study unit of observation focused on the governors, speakers of the county assemblies' representatives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) based at the counties, controller of budget, public forum, chair of the county board, and Auditor General based in the different selected counties in Kenya. The sample size was 180, determined by Slovin's sample size determination formula. The study adopted descriptive statistics by using means and percentages.
Findings: The study established that moral dimensions of leadership ethics is a key driver of the performance of devolved governments in Kenya.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a significant influence of the moral dimension of leadership ethics on the performance of devolved governments in Kenya.
Recommendations: The study recommends that county governments in Kenya should prioritize the recruitment, training, and development of leaders with strong moral principles and ethical conduct as central components of their governance frameworks. It is imperative for policy formulations and governance practices to embed ethical considerations deeply. Leadership development programs should focus on instilling values of integrity, accountability, and transparency, aiming to build a cadre of ethical leaders who can navigate the complexities of governance with moral clarity.
Keywords: Moral dimension, ethical leadership, performance, devolved governments, Kenya.
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