Effect of Transformational Leadership Style on the Adoption of Digital Transformation in the Public Sector in Kenya

Public sector institutions in Kenya are struggling with digital transformation due to ineffective leadership, a lack of understanding of how leadership styles impact this process, and a significant digital divide, which hinders equitable access to services and exacerbates social inequalities, ultimately risking the country's economic and social benefits as outlined in its Vision 2030 plan. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transformational leadership style on the adoption of digital transformation in the public sector in Kenya. Transformational Leadership Theory was guiding the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 230 employees of the CAK involved in digital transformation projects. Yamane formulae was used to calculate a sample size of 146 respondents. Stratified sampling was used to select respondents. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted in the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to ascertain the validity and reliability of research instruments. The data was coded and entered into the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25). Quantitative data from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The inferential analysis was carried out through regression analysis to test the direct and indirect effects of the study variables. Data was presented in tables. The study results revealed that transformational leadership style has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of digital transformation in the public sector in Kenya (?=0.253, p=0.001). The study concluded that digital transformation in Kenya's public sector is influenced by transformational leadership style. The study recommended that leaders should cultivate transformational leadership styles to effectively communicate the vision for digital transformation and inspire employees to embrace new digital tools and processes.