Kenley was born in Fort Stockton, Texas and attended both Miami University and Harvard Law School.

A Republican, Kenley was first elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1992, defeating incumbent Anthony C.

[5] Before becoming a State Senator, Kenley served as a judge for Noblesville City Court from March 16, 1974, to September 1, 1989.

He was appointed by Noblesville Mayor Max E. Robinson after incumbent judge, Jerry Barr, resigned.

[7] He made an unsuccessful bid to become the Republican nominee for Governor of Indiana in 2003, losing to Mitch Daniels.