Efficacy of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework on Implementation of Development Projects. A Comparative Analysis of Machakos And Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Monitoring and evaluation frameworks allow for project activities to be measured and analyzed. There is a gap in the design of M&E frameworks to generate information during the process of monitoring and evaluation and use of this information in future designs. The purpose of this research study was to establish the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework in the successful implementation of County development projects. The study was guided by the main determinants of monitoring and evaluation which are: Monitoring and Evaluation framework dimensions results based performance indicators, learning capacity, participatory tracking and beneficiary accountability. The moderating effects was Government funding and disbursement of funds. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with a mixed method centered within a wider exploratory, cross-sectional framework. The study was conducted in Machakos and Embu County. The population of this study was 132 staff mandated to monitor and evaluate projects undertaken under County government devolved functions from Machakos and Embu County. A sample of 99 respondents was determined and individual elements in different categories were also determined using Stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents through “drop and pick later” method and were subjected to a reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha and their response was analyzed quantitatively by means of SPSS. A normality test was conducted using the Shapiro Wilk’s test. Factor analysis was undertaken to determine which of the factors are important in determining project completion. The research findings were subjected to regression and correlation analysis to establish the effect and relationship between the independent and dependent variables using a multiple regression model. Data was then be summarized and presented using data tables, percentages and frequency tables. The results were discussed and conclusions made from the objectives. Recommendations were made according to the conclusions made.