Effectiveness Of Strategy Monitoring And Evaluation At Government Ministries: A Case Study Of The Ministry Of Immigration, Kenya

Abstract

The internal and external changes that public sector organizations have faced have challenged the traditional management approach: the foundations of the conventional wisdom of public management are shattering. Leaders are realizing that the survival of their institutions often depends on understanding change drivers operating in their internal and external contexts, and adopting new methods to ensure that the projects they are implementing succeed. However, to be able to achieve this, the service delivery process need to be carefully defined, negotiated, and agreed upon considering involved parties' needs, wants and preferences. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of strategy monitoring and evaluation at the Ministry of Immigration. The research design adopted was a case study. The study used primary data which was collected using an interview guide. Content analysis was used to analyze data. The finding of the study was that the findings of the study were that strategy monitoring and evaluation is done quarterly. Monitoring and evaluation has helped the ministry to track down performance against objectives/ targets which ensure accountability by establishing clear bench mark by which to measure performance while also allowing for early signals to detect when performance deviates. The ministry uses management by objectives for its strategy monitoring and evaluation. This was realized through development of the departments, business plans that are aligned to the overall strategic objectives of the ministry. The resources necessary to support effective monitoring and evaluation was not sufficient in terms of financial and technical resources to undertake comprehensive monitoring and evaluation across the organization. The ministry did not have the tools to use in the past monitoring and evaluation exercise, however monitoring and evaluation has helped in the coordination effort and improved service delivery through use of technology, enhancing capacity building of officers, service charters posted at strategic positions, but some staff can just resist adhering to charters. It is therefore recommended that the management of the ministry takes a leading role in the formulation and implementation of strategic objectives and short term goals being pegged on expected time frame as a way of ensuring they are met.