MONITORING AND EVALUATION PRACTICES AND QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY IN MACHAKOS COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a critical management function that enhances accountability, evidence-based decision-making, and organizational performance. Despite substantial fiscal transfers to Kenya's county governments since the introduction of devolution in 2013, the quality of public service delivery remains below expectations, partly due to weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation systems.
Purpose of the Study: This study examined the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on quality service delivery in Machakos County Government. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of M&E training, M&E planning, stakeholder engagement, and M&E reporting on quality service delivery.
Research Methodology: The study was guided by Human Capital Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Performance Theory and adopted a descriptive research design. A stratified random sample of 130 county officials was drawn from a target population of 143 employees involved in planning, monitoring, and reporting county development programmes. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through Kobo Toolbox, achieving an 87% response rate (n = 113). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Findings: The findings revealed that all four M&E practices had positive and statistically significant relationships with quality service delivery. Multiple regression analysis showed that M&E planning (β = 0.287, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of quality service delivery, followed by M&E reporting (β = 0.264, p < 0.001), M&E training (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), and stakeholder engagement (β = 0.195, p = 0.001). The four variables jointly explained 72.6% of the variation in quality service delivery (R² = 0.726).
Conclusion: The study concludes that strengthening monitoring and evaluation practices, particularly planning and reporting, significantly improves service delivery in county governments.
Recommendation: The study recommends institutionalizing comprehensive M&E frameworks, investing in staff capacity development, strengthening stakeholder participation, and enhancing the use of M&E findings in planning, budgeting, and decision-making to improve public sector performance.
Keywords: Monitoring, Evaluation Practices, Quality Service, Delivery, Machakos County Government
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