An Assessment of Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity in Selected Ngo's In Nairobi County

Abstract

According to Leeuw (2001), monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is seen as a critical component for effective aid and management. In many NGOs, the attention given to monitoring and evaluation is not consistent throughout the project cycle due to lack of capacity development. This study was an assessment of M&E capacity development in NGOs. The problem statement highlighted the gap in M&E capacity among NGOs. The purpose of this study was to assess the M&E Capacity among selected NGO’s in Nairobi. The objectives of the study were to explore how the theory of change was used in M&E and investigate the challenges in M&E capacity development. The study used a descriptive qualitative design. The sample of 32 respondents was purposely and conveniently selected from NGO staff that is 19 program officers, 6 administration officers, 1 M&E focal person, 3 program directors, 2 country directors and 1 regional director using a structured questionnaire. Data was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings of the study showed that 93.8% (30) thought M&E capacity development was important for tracking progress, 84.4% (27) thought M&E provided information for decision making and ensured accountability. Some of the recommendations offered were that NGOs should include M&E in their project planning and budgets to address the need for effective and reliable M&E practice.