Abstract:
This paper delved into the challenges facing ethical leadership and governance in Kenya with specific
reference to the County of Uasin Gishu. Several studies had indicated that public and private institutions in
Kenya face governance challenges as a result of lack of and/or inadequate ethical leadership. This paper
argued that entrenchment of ethical leadership practices can ameliorate governance challenges that bedevil
counties in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, where the target population
comprised of elected and non-elected leaders in Uasin Gishu County (N=728). The sample size was obtained
through stratified sampling techniques, purposive sampling and random sampling to produce 352
respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and presented using tables and figures. Analysis of data established that effectiveness of ethical leadership
and governance is hindered by uncommitted top leadership that is necessitated by insufficient structures and
procedures to guide implementation of ethical code of conduct. In addition, the study established that rigid
organizational culture affected effectiveness of ethical leadership, which poses a risk to important
organizational assets, such as brand reputation and talent. Study findings revealed that organizational
structure influences effectiveness of ethical culture in addition to low levels of competence among the staff.
Level of resourcefulness influences managers’ professionalism on ethical leadership and governance. The
study established that ethical leadership on governance faces plethora of challenges. The study concluded
that challenges facing ethical leadership and governance showed that dwindling support from top managers,
rigid organizational culture, level of staff competence, managers’ professionalism, and organizational
structure affect effectiveness of ethical leadership and governance. The extent to which those with authority
communicate with everyone and how much they allow those that work below them to participate determines
how successful organizations will be.
