Monitoring and evaluation practices and performance of development projects in Kenya

Abstract

Most countries especially in Africa have many development projects in an attempt to improve the living standards of its citizen. Huge sums of funds have been put into this activity and it is important to get value for money. However, many projects managers do not understand the importance of monitoring and evaluation in successful implementation of projects. The goal of this study was to explore monitoring and Evaluation practices on performance of development projects, precisely to establish influence monitoring and evaluation planning, budgeting and capacity building have on the outcomes of projects. The study was anchored on the theory of change and stakeholder analysis theory. Descriptive research design was applied, target population comprised 290 staff of KYEOP and its implementing agencies, stratified random sampling was adopted and a sample size of 167 staff selected, Yamane formula was applied to determine the sample size. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a pilot conducted in NITA being one of the implementing agencies to pre-test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Regression, correlation analysis and ANOVA were used to determine the relationship between study variables. All the three independent variables; Planning, budgeting and capacity building affect performance of development projects at KYEOP. Statistical analysis results demonstrated that the three variables significantly affect performance of development projects and strengthening them provides opportunity for improved performance and outcomes of development projects at KYEOP. Results from the Pearson Chi-square statistic at 5% level of significance pointed to lack of sufficient evidence to support the null hypothesis for study objective one; there is no significant relationship between capacity building and performance of development projects at KYEOP (0.002); The Pearson Chi-square statistics at 5% level of significance resulted to sufficient evidence to support the null hypotheses for objective two (0.258) and object three (0.112) of the study. Further research is required to illuminate in dynamics and aspects of budgeting and capacity building in relation to project performance. Further research is required to explore the contribution of other tenets and elements of monitoring and evaluation including data use, data and reporting, organizational learning and monitoring of standards and procedures. Investigating how key stakeholders including the youth are involved in the planning process of development projects is necessary. There is need to institutionalize regular and continuous monitoring in development projects to enhance completion time.