Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy on the Implementation of Rural Electrification Authority Projects in Tharaka Nithi County Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the influence of monitoring and evaluation process on the Implementation of Rural Electrification Projects in Tharaka Nithi County Region. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine how strength of monitoring and evaluation team influences implementation of rural electrification authority projects in Tharaka Nithi county Kenya; to establish how management support influences implementation of rural electrification authority projects in Tharaka Nithi county Kenya; to examine how clarity of scope in monitoring and evaluation influences implementation of rural electrification authority projects in Tharaka Nithi county Kenya and to determine how frequency of meetings with stake holders influences implementation of rural electrification authority projects in Tharaka Nithi county Kenya. The research employed descriptive research design in the collection of data for the proposed study and targeted 120 REA staff and beneficiaries from the three selected constituencies in Tharaka Nithi County. The study used a sample size of 92 which was calculated using Yamane 1967 formula assuming a 95% confidence level and P = 0.5. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents and 87 questionnaires were returned. At the end of the study the findings were that 46% of the respondents felt that the strength of the M&E team is to a great extent influential to the implementation of REA. In addition, the results at the end of the study revealed that 35% of the respondents felt that management support influenced the implementation of REA projects. A further 24% of the respondents indicated management support influenced implementation of REA projects to a very great extent. It is imperative that management support the M&E team so as to achieve the desired goals. A clear scope of work makes planning easy and provides a clear guideline for the M&E team. 34% of the respondents stated that a clear scope of work influences the implementation of REA projects to a very great extent. Another 34% indicated that it influences by a great extent. Finally, the majority of respondents attested to the fact that frequency of meetings with stakeholders influences the implementation of REA project by a very great extent. The study recommended; there is need to include all stakeholders in project M & E in each stage as they play an active role since they are the consumers of the project for the sake of sustainability. Cooperation of stakeholders should also be encouraged. All the stakeholders need to be clearly identified and their requirements documented. Each of the stakeholders’ requirements needs to be prioritized and focus placed on those that are most critical to success and Adequate funding needs to be devoted to implementation of M&E practices for its potential to be realized in a project because insufficient financing is a major factor in poor maintenance which, in turn, is often cited as a reason for project failure.