Monitoring and evaluation practices and performance of government of Kenya-funded developmental projects

Abstract

The need and justification for project monitoring and assessment have thus far been established. However, it is essential to consider the variables that affect monitoring and assessment, especially in county governments where significant projects and resources have stalled. This study investigated the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of government of Kenya funded developmental projects in Garissa County using the Garissa County cancer center as a case study. Specifically, this study established the influence of M & E team capacity building, M & E planning, and stakeholder participation on performance of government funded developmental projects in Garissa County, Kenya. The study was underpinned by three theories namely, Theory of Change, the System Theory and the Organization Learning theory. The target population included County Executive Committee, Chief Officer’s health and medical services, Directors of health and medical services as well as the 90-unit members of county health department of Garissa. A descriptive study approach was used, including standard deviations, percentages, frequencies and composite means .The findings indicated that capacity team building for the M & E team is associated with a positive and significant effect on the performance of the government funded projects in Garissa County. It was also established that M & E planning is linked to a positive and significant effect on the performance of the government funded projects in Garissa County. Lastly, it was established that ensuring stakeholder participation for the M & E team is associated with a positive and significant effect on the performance of the government funded projects in Garissa County. In view of the findings of the study, the study recommends the M & E division of the county government of Garissa to ensure there is stakeholder involvement in monitoring of its larger development projects. The M & E division of the county government of Garissa should also enhance capacity building of their M & E team so as to improve their competence in conducting M & E functions. There is also a need for the M & E division of the county government of Garissa to conduct a thorough planning before engaging in any M & E activities so as to enhance delivery. Future studies could consider other counties and examining effects of other constructs of monitoring practices that was not considered by the current study.