The Effect of Monitoring and Evaluation on the Performance of Constituency Development Fund Projects in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the benefits of M&E, most projects take a longer time to be completed and end up not achieving their intended objectives hence unsustainable because sound M&E practices were not observed. In the case of CDF projects, evidence released show funds are misappropriated, projects are incomplete, and those that are complete are poorly done.Elgeyo Marakwet County has been experiencing lack of proper utilization of the CDF funds, incomplete or poorly completed projects. Challenges in mismanagement of the CDF in this county are inclined towards poor project management that further converges in weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation of the CDF projects. It is under such a background that this study assessed the effect of monitoring and evaluation on the performance of CDF projectsin Elgeyo Marakwet. It was guided by the monitoring and evaluation theories and incorporated a descriptive study design. This allowed for purposive sampling as it only targeted the project managers and M&E heads thereby selecting 65 respondents and ending up with a 53% response rate which is adequate as per research standards. Findings revealed that indeed CDF projects in Elgeyo Marakwet had employed both monitoring and evaluation aspects in their implementation such as needs assessment, baseline studies, ascertaining of project effectiveness and sustainability. However recommendations were made to reinforce these processes for optimal performance. The CDF projects in Elgeyo Marakwet are concentrated in education related projects hence should also spread to other projects to ease over emphasis on educational projects. Further, the CDF projects should incorporate international best practices and standards to monitoring and evaluation if they are to achieve optimal project success.