Assessment of Results Based Management Practices in the Public Sector: Case Study of National Malaria Control Program in Kenya

Abstract

Results based management has evolved over time as a management strategy into the public sector due to donor demand and pressure from taxpayers throughout the world. Application of the strategy in the private and public sector globally has gained importance. This has raised interest among researchers worldwide who have also noted the importance to assess performance of RBM strategy against the set standards in improving accountability of a system. In this regard, this study was undertaken with an objective of assessing results based management practices at National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) as a public agency. This was to ascertain if NMCP was result focused against the predetermined public sector management result features. Also to address public sector gaps in challenges, capacities. The assessment employed case study design. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. Data was collected through key informant interviews, document reviews, self -assessment questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Cronbach’s alpha method of analysis. Results from the assessment indicated that NMCP had functional and operational public sector management components with existing linkages from national government to county governments. The study found out further that the institution was result oriented and exhibited public sector practices of results based management. The program had a strong monitoring system which was one of the major strength. This was the best performing public sector component. It enabled the program reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by malaria in different counties. However the study found out challenges hindering execution of public sector components which included lack of funds, incentives, M&E capacities to implement RBM. xi Overreliance of donors to conduct evaluation on data audits was cited as the key challenge which hampered the development of the program. This study is for the opinion that national malaria control program should pursue the ministry of finance to increase the budgetary allocation to execute all PSM components simultaneously. This will help the managers to focus on common results from the national to county levels. Key recommendation made for this study is that capacities should be increased among the staff and more M&E trained staff employed to oversee the evaluation of the program. Finally incentives should be provided both monetary and non-monetary to program performers to strengthen the component of implementation process in order to be results focused. The study recommends future research in areas focusing challenges faced in executing PSM components in public ministries and agencies as these study highlighted some challenges experienced at NMCP in implementing RBM. Also assessment of results based management practices in different government agencies.