Strategic Leadership and Service Delivery Excellence: A Study of Level Six Hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between strategic leadership practices and service delivery excellence in Level Six hospitals in Kenya. An empirical review of peer-reviewed literature published in the last decade was conducted, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review synthesized evidence to identify leadership-related factors that influence hospital performance and patient outcomes. Findings indicate that hospitals led by managers employing strategic leadership practices such as visionary planning, participative decision-making, performance monitoring, and effective communication demonstrate higher levels of patient satisfaction, timely service delivery, and adherence to clinical protocols. Additionally, strategic leadership was associated with enhanced resource optimization, financial performance, staff motivation, and operational efficiency. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, and misalignment with national healthcare policies, which hinder the full realization of leadership benefits. The review highlights the importance of strengthening strategic leadership initiatives to promote service delivery excellence, with particular attention to aligning hospital practices with national health quality standards and addressing systemic constraints.