Implementation of monitoring and evaluation in infrastructure projects in public secondary schools in Mombasa county, Kenya

Abstract

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) has become an increasingly important tool within global efforts toward achieving environmental, economic and social sustainability through acting as a check and balance machinery in the process of projects and programs implementation (OECD, 2012). At national and international scales, sustainability criteria and indicators for M&E are important tools for defining, monitoring and reporting on ecological, economic and social trends, tracking progress towards goals, and influencing policy and practices (United Nations, 2012). At regional and sub-regional scales M&E is important for assessing the sustainability of local practices, and can be an important tool to assist with management planning (Montaño, Arce & Louman, 2006). The study was conducted through a descriptive survey research design as conceptualized by Kothari (2004). A total target population of 92 was used for the study. The study adopted census sampling for the head teachers, deputy head teachers, BOM chair people and the PTA chair people. The questionnaires were used to collect data from the total population. Questionnaires were prepared on the basis of the objectives as outlined in chapter one and as discussed in the literature review. Prior to proceeding to the field MOE permit was obtained upon getting a letter of authorization from the University of Nairobi. The appointments were scheduled with the BOM chairs, principals, deputy principals and finally PTA chair people to notify and request for permission to carry out the study in their Projects. Through the help of two research assistants, the instruments were personally administered to the respondents who were given ample time to respond to the questions. This ensured achievement of a good response rate and also the respondents had a chance to seek clarification on items which proved difficult to answer. The data that was collected from the field was keyed and analyzed by simple descriptive analysis using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 20.0 software. From the study a sample population of 92 was used. A total of 92 questionnaires were given to the respondents, though the ones that were well filled, returned and considered for the study were 65. The return rate therefore was 70.65%. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that: The Ministry of education and that of finance should come up with measures that should involve all the stakeholders in the M&E of school projects for better results; almost 10 to 20 percent of project budget finances should be allocated for M&E; more specifically when dealing with school infrastructure projects that are ever failing from time to time, and, finally, the bodies concerned with projects M&E should concentrate on employing qualified personnel for M&E and set aside allocated time that can allow better training, research and planning of M&E. Suggestions for Future Research included; A similar study can be carried out in other counties in Kenya, A similar study can be carried out but at primary schools, and, Finally, a study can be done to establish the effects of M&E on the performance of school infrastructural projects in Mombasa County’s secondary schools.