MOHAMED ABDULLAHI HASSAN2026-07-152022-06https://repository.mua.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2980Counties have put in place diverse strategies for the purpose of enhancing operational performance. Despite implementation of such strategies for the purpose of improving operational performance, the expected results have not been attained. Time without numbers, citizens and general public has expressed concern in relation to the elements that influence service delivery by county leaders. The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between leadership and operational performance of county governments in Kenya; a case study of Garissa County. The specific objectives were; to determine impact of leadership skills on operational performance, to investigate influence of leadership styles on operational performance and to assess the role of ethical leadership practices on operational performance of county governments in Kenya; a case study of Garissa county. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study target population consisted of 2611 staffs from 10 departments within Garissa county government. The researcher employed 10% of the total population as the sample size which constituted of 261 respondents for the current study. Study employed questionnaires as the research instruments. The researcher adopted drop and pick method during data collection to allow sufficient time for response by respondents. Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS version 23) was used for data analysis purpose. Data was presented in form of graphs and tables.Article