Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of Selected National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract

The realization of poorly performing National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) projects is attributed to inadequacy of Monitoring and Evaluation. A number of these projects take long to complete, experience cost overruns and fail to satisfy the intended community need. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) came into being in 2003 to channel resources to the constituency level, the grassroots, where they are mostly needed. Generally, this fund has transformed Kenyas marginalized areas, albeit with challenges. Research, though, has not exhaustively shade light on the levels of transformations or elements of all the challenges faced by the fund. This study sought to investigate the effects of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation practices on performance of NG-CDF projects in Samburu County of Kenya. Its objectives were: to find out the effect of M&E planning, resources allocation to M&E, training of M&E staff and participation of community members in M&E on the performance of NG-CDF projects. The study adopted descriptive research design with a target population of 51 completed and ongoing NG-CDF projects, initiated in the start of 2017/2018 financial period in Samburu County. Through stratified random sampling technique a sample of 30 projects (59% of population) was picked. The researcher administered semi-structured questionnaires to collect primary data. Completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed by the use of SPSS computer program to generate valuable information. Descriptive statistics: frequencies, means, percentages and standard-errors were estimated, and the findings presented using charts and tables. A multiple regression model aided to establish relationships between dependent and independent variables, which turned out to be positive and strong, M&E planning and M&E resource allocation being significant. This study recommends thus, M&E-planning frameworks must be supported and M&E funds be increased and disclosed to communities. Proper community sensitization/capacity building needs to be done prior to project implementation.