Organizational capacity and institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation in government agencies in the ministry of health in Kenya

Abstract

Institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation remains a key strategy in achieving objectives of projects. Many developed countries have institutionalized their monitoring and evaluation systems while developing countries are in the process amidst numerous challenges.The research examined organizational capacity and institutionalisation of Monitoring and Evaluation in government agencies in the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The study examined how resources, organizational culture, ethics and governance influence institutionalisation of Monitoring and evaluation in government agencies in the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The data for the study was collected through descriptive study design where a questionnaire was administered to managers and supervisors across the five functional departments in the three government agencies in the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The study employed stratified random sampling where the response rate was 87%. The data collected was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. A computer data analysis software, Statistical package for social science, (SPSS) was used to perform the analysis. The study found that resources had significant positive influence on institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation; organizational culture had a negative influence on institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation; and ethics and governance had a positive significance influence on institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation. The study concluded that resources, ethics and governance, and organizational culture had significant influence on institutionalization of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The study recommended that budgetary allocations for M&E activities be increased, adequate skills and competency of staff in M&E be built and the need to have clear vision, mission and objectives. The study further recommended that the agencies should embrace ethics and governance through having principles and guidelines that promote transparency, virtues and norms encouraging transparency and a strong code of conduct.