The gender perspective in the monitoring and evaluation of the CDF in Gatanga constituency of Murang’a county, central Kenya

Abstract

This was an exploratory study of gender participation in the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of Gatanga Constituency. It involved an assessment of the participation of men and women in the leadership of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) as well as the community and leadership’s understanding of the concepts of gender and M&E, their roles and their participation in both of these and the constraints faced. Data were collected from Gatanga and Kihuimbuni Divisions of Gatanga Constituency. This was done through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The demographic quantitative data were analyzed using both excel and SPSS computer softwares, and findings are presented in pie charts and bar graphs. Qualitative data from FGDs and key informants were analyzed thematically. For each of the data set, a separate code sheet was created in an attempt to establish and interpret the patterns and relationships of the observations. Direct quotations and selected comments from the study population were used to present the findings. The findings indicate that despite the fact that the CDC leadership as currently constituted reflects a gender balance, there was no community participation in its choice. This exclusion was something the community felt very aggrieved about as they seemed very aware that it is their right to elect leaders. Further, while some understood that one of the CDF requirements is to have both men and women represented in the leadership, the majority did not seem to know the purpose for this type of representation. It was also evident that the community is not involved in the M&E of the CDF project management cycle. The findings suggest that, their understanding of their role in this is weak. This was compounded by their general feelings of being excluded from all other aspects of the project cycle from identification, design and implementation, to reporting. The findings further indicate that although the CDC leadership understands what gender is, it is not aware of how gender can be used as a management tool for redressing existing gaps for more development efficiency and effectiveness. There is, therefore, need for strengthening of capacities at this level including through training, with a special focus on how M&E can be used to mainstream gender. The study concludes that the participation of the community in the current CDC leadership of CDF in Gatanga is non-existent. The culture and practice for M&E including from a gender perspective, is also weak. This implies that the lack of community participation in these two critical aspects compromises the necessary checks and balances in promoting the spirit of transparency and accountability espoused in the CDF Act. In view of this, the study recommends that the community be given its democratic right to participate in the selection of its leaders in line with the CDF Act. There is also need for concerted efforts by the CDF leadership and other relevant stakeholders to encourage the uptake of comprehensive gender-responsive M&E. Finally, the study recommends that the fear around M&E that it is a “policing” or “investigative” tool rather than a management tool for improved development efficiency and effectiveness be demystified through advocacy among all stakeholders