Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Completion of ECD Construction Projects in Kericho County.

Abstract

This research delves into the importance of stakeholder participation, careful planning, and resource allocation, as well as the Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) play a crucial part in project success. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E), which is based on concepts such as program theory and results-based management, is increasingly required for effective project delivery. Primary data is collected through a structured questionnaire, with a focus on ensuring validity through considerations such as construct, content, face, and criterion validity. Reliability is established through a pilot study in Bomet County, mirroring Kericho County's characteristics. Using stakeholder involvement, resource allocation, and planning as independent variables, this study predicts the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) on the completion of ECD center projects through the use of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, particularly multiple regression. Ethical considerations include obtaining research approvals, informed consent, and ensuring participant confidentiality. The questionnaire return rate, a critical metric in assessing study strength, is determined by the percentage of completed and returned questionnaires in relation to the total number of targeted participants. With a 100% return rate in this study, where all 86 questionnaires were returned, the data collected is deemed comprehensive for subsequent analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Demographic information, including respondents' gender and age distribution, was considered for generalization purposes. The gender distribution revealed that 61.2% were male, while 38.8% were female. Regarding age, the majority (51.2%) fell within the 40-49 age bracket, indicating a mature respondent group. Research in this area focuses on the methods used for monitoring and evaluating ECD initiatives in Kericho County, specifically looking at how factors like funding, stakeholder participation, and careful planning affected the final product. Through Likert-scale-rated statements, the analysis revealed that efficient resource allocation, stakeholder involvement, and effective planning significantly impact project completion. The study employed regression analysis, showing a predictive model with an adjusted R2 of 0.613, suggesting that variations in resources, stakeholder involvement, and planning can explain approximately 74.8% of the completion variations in ECD projects. The model's significance was supported by an ANOVA p-value of 0.004, and regression coefficients highlighted the positive influence of resources, stakeholder involvement, and planning on project completion