Influence of project monitoring and evaluation activities on the performance of early childhood development infrastructure in Trans Nzoia West Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of project monitoring and evaluation activities on the performance of Early Childhood Development Education infrastructure projects in Trans Nzoia West sub county primary schools. This study further explored other ways in which monitoring and evaluation processes could be used to improve in facilitating timely completion of projects. The study was confined to Trans Nzoia County, and targeted fifteen schools both private and public sampled from different sub counties that make up the larger Trans Nzoia County. The study adopted descriptive and expost facto designs. The dependent variable of the study was the performance of ECDE infrastructure projects. The independent variables were needs assessment, inputs monitoring; monitoring project implementation and outputs evaluation. The theoretical framework that guided the study was the Classical Scientific Management Theory that emphasizes on the application of scientific methods of study, analysis and problem solving in organizations. The respondents were school head teachers, deputies, teachers and representatives of boards of management that serve in infrastructure committees. Members of the board of management in the infrastructure committee were selected using simple random sampling method. The total population for this study was 1099 respondents which consisted of 200 members of the boards of management, 890 teachers, and 9 head teachers; the sample size was 480 respondents. Primary data collected through library research, policy documents, educational journals, thesis books and the internet were used to inform and back the findings. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis. Data was classified, tabulated and analyzed using SPSS. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used. Descriptive statistics was analyzed using frequencies, means and percentages and presented in tables and figures. The hypothesis was tested at α = 0.05. Analyzed data was interpreted and conclusions drawn.All factors under investigation on the performance of ECDE infrastructure development projects had influence in varying proportions. A regression equation showed r =0.80 accounting for the need for ECDE, 0.64 for provision of funds, 0.41 for pilot survey activities and 0.71 index accounted for number of completed ECDE classes. Findings indicated that monitoring and evaluation activities are not wholesomely embraced during the life cycle of ECDE infrastructure development projects, hence the factors under investigation had varying influence on the performance of ECDE infrastructure development projects. Need for ECDE had the highest influence (88%), followed by provision of funds (84%), pilot surveys activities(72%),number of completed ECDE classes had the least influence (64%). It was also found out that most head teachers in Trans Nzoia West Sub County are male(88.05%) as compared to female (11.02%); similar to teachers, female (34%) and male at (66%).The study recommends a sensitization programme and training of institution managers to ensure an all inclusive approach of all stakeholders that embraces monitoring and evaluation activities to help Complete projects as scheduled.