Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and the Performance of Early Childhood Development Education Projects in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the effect of PM&E procedures on project outcomes in an ECDE initiative in Kilifi County, Kenya. Adopting PM&E techniques guarantees a favorable influence on project performance, mitigating any negative consequences such as exceeding the scope, cost, or schedule. The study examined many strategies related to Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E), including engaging stakeholders in the process of raising and allocating resources, developing skills and knowledge, making decisions, and ensuring technical proficiency in M&E. The study sought to examine the influence of stakeholders' resource allocation on the effectiveness of ECDE programs in Kilifi County. It also aimed to assess the impact of participatory capacity building on project performance, the role of technical expertise in participatory monitoring and evaluation on project success, and the influence of stakeholder involvement in making major decisions concerning the projects implementation. The study was based on a theoretical framework that incorporated competency, resource-based perspectives, and stakeholder theories. The study adopted a descriptive survey research methodology, using a sample size of 144 respondents. It specifically examined the 40 ECDE initiatives implemented by the Kilifi County Government during the fiscal year 2021–2022. The data were gathered via meticulously crafted questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The regression analysis results indicated that all variables (participatory M&E resource allocation = 0.032, participatory capacity building = 0.004, participatory M&E technical expertise = 0.006, and stakeholder involvement in decision-making = 0.002) had P values below 5%, indicating statistical significance. Ultimately, the involvement of stakeholders in decision-making, the technical proficiency of participatory monitoring and evaluation, the development of participatory capabilities, and the allocation of resources through participation all have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of ECDE programs in Kilifi County. The researcher highlighted the pivotal importance of stakeholder engagement throughout different phases of a project, particularly in terms of planning, execution, resource allocation, and skill development, in order to ensure the success of development initiatives.