Factors influencing effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation in economic stimulus projects In Mukurwe-Ini District, Nyeri County, Kenya'

Abstract

The Economic Stimulus Programme was introduced in 200912010 budget entitled 'Overcoming Today's Challenges for a Better Kenya Tomorrow'. It is a government programme coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and has witnessed several projects implemented. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects in Mukurwe-ini District, Nyeri County, Kenya. This study was guided by the following objectives: to establish whether availability of resources has an influence on effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects; to determine the influence of competency of staff on effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects; to determine the influence of information, communication and technology adoption on effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects; and to assess the influence of stakeholder participation on effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects. The target population comprised of selected projects' stakeholders, Stimulus Projects Management Committees, District heads of departments of implementing ministries, District Development Officer (DDO), Fund Manager, local community, religious leaders and other non-state actors. Purposive sampling was used to identify the major projects to be focused on, while stratified and simple random sampling will be used to identify the respondents for the study. The main instruments for data collection were a self-administered questionnaire and a structured interview schedule. Observation was also used. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequencies tables by employing Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. It was expected that the results of the study will be used to make recommendations for improvement and sustenance of the ESP projects. The study found that the availability of resources influenced effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects in Mukurwe-ini district to a very great extent (51.4%), competency of staff influenced effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects in Mukurwe-ini district to a very great extent (43.2%), adoption of information, communication and technology influenced effective implementation of monitoring and .evaluation of economic stimulus projects in Mukurwe-ini district to a great extent (43.2%) and that stakeholder participation influenced effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation of economic stimulus projects in Mukurwe-ini district to a great extent (56.8%). The study concludes that resource adequacy was the most significant factor, followed by staff competency then lCT while stakeholders' participation was the least significant. The study recommends that enough resources should be set aside for M&E programs; stakeholders should be involved in M&E processes; lCT should be integrated and leveraged in M&E processes for better results; capacities for M&E staff should be enhanced and further research on development of effective M&E systems and utilization of monitoring and evaluation reports by government/donor agencies and other project teams.