Factors influencing implementation of monitoring and evaluation of school feeding programs by service providers in Kenya, (a case of Langata sub-county)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine factors influencing implementation of monitoring and evaluation of school feeding programs by service providers in Kenya,(A case of Langata Sub County). The objectives of the study were: to determine how human resource influence implementation of M&E of school feeding program in Langata sub county; to assess how financial management influence implementation of M&E of SFP in Langata sub county; to establish how stakeholders’ participation influence implementation of M&E of SFP in Langata sub county; and to examine how donors’ partnership influence implementation of M&E of SFP in Langata sub county. The study was guided by Theory of change by Fredrick Perls (2005). The study adopted a descriptive survey design in examining factors influencing implementation of monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program in Langata Sub County. The target population of this study was 171 employees from monitoring and evaluation department from the 7 organizations providing school feeding programs in Langata sub-county and 18 school administrators that are benefiting from the program. A sample size of 120 respondents out of 171 employees were picked using simple stratified random sampling technique based on employees from M&E department. The data for the study was collected using a questionnaire and interview schedule. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study may be used by the government in formulation of policies pertaining to School Feeding Program and improve monitoring and evaluation. The study found that human resource plays an important role in implementation of monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program in Langata Sub County since trained and knowledgeable organizational and school staff ensure quality M&E results. It was evident from the study findings that proper financial management should guarantee efficient allocation of resources required for M&E and beneficiaries’ satisfaction in terms of quality service delivery. The study also found that active participation of all stakeholders in implementation of monitoring and evaluation is equally necessary for success and sustainability of the program and that donors’ partnership enhances implementation of monitoring and evaluation through funding and drawing more resources to assist in implementation. The study recommends that monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program be strengthened in schools by establishing a well facilitated M&E department, encouraging all stakeholders’ participation in monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program particularly ensuring that beneficiaries can participate effectively in monitoring and evaluating projects and adopting a modern information and communication systems in carrying out monitoring and evaluations. The areas that need further research include establishing challenges facing monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program, influence of information technology systems on monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program and determining how to strengthen primary stakeholders’ participation in M&E