Pilot testing the cultivating virtues for leadership (CViL) model of servant leadership with Kenyan secondary school leadership teams

The Cultivating Virtues for Leadership (CViL) program was developed to address the global need for innovative approaches to school leadership, particularly in response to pressing challenges such as teacher shortages. Grounded in a Servant Leadership framework, CViL promotes the cultivation of key virtues—including humility, gratitude, and courage—to support educators in becoming effective and ethical leaders. This pilot study focused on adapting, enhancing, and implementing the program with school leadership teams in Kenya. It evaluated participants’ perceptions of the program’s relevance, appeal, acceptability, and feasibility within their local educational contexts. The professional development model included four components: a four-day residential workshop, monthly webinars, a virtual community of practice, and a culminating virtual conference. Qualitative data revealed a high level of receptivity and satisfaction among participants, who reported both personal and professional value in the virtues-based approach. Findings suggest that CViL is a relevant and feasible leadership development strategy for the Kenyan context.