Analysis of the Experiences of Using Monitoring and Evaluation System in Service Delivery among Local Authorities in Rwanda: A Case of Sector Councils in Gasabo District

Abstract

The main focus of this study was to analyse the experience of using monitoring and evaluation system in service delivery among local authorities in Rwanda. The study focused on Gasabo District since it lags behind in performance as far as service delivery was concerned. The theories underpinning the study included the theory of evaluation, new public management theory and the theory of change. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised of the sector council members. The choice of the sector council members was due to the fact that they were the people engaged in service delivery and they interacted with the people directly. The target population consisted of 180 council members from 15 sectors in Gasabo District. A sample size of 90 respondents was selected from the 15 sectors through simple random sampling. A questionnaire, key informant interview guide and focus group discussions were used to obtain primary data which was both quantitative and qualitative. Qualitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used. The findings indicated that the local government of Gasabo District had an established monitoring and evaluation system. The monitoring and evaluation system played various roles in the local government. The usefulness of the monitoring and evaluation system in Gasabo District was however hindered by various challenges. The use of monitoring and evaluation system improved service delivery in Gasabo District. The study recommended that the M&E systems in Gasabo District ought to build on existing capacities. This can be done by increasing the number of training on monitoring and evaluation. This would go a long in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the monitoring and evaluation systems.