Title: Monitoring And Evaluation Policy Frameworks And Public Sector Performance In Kenya's County Governments: Empirical Evidence From The Lake Region Economic Bloc
Authors: Okeyo Elijah Omollo
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 11-22
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policies are key to Kenya's devolved governance framework. However, their effectiveness in improving county government performance remains under explored. Evidence from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties shows ongoing gaps in M&E policy implementation, institutional capacity, and evidence use. This study examined the relationship between the quality of the M&E policy framework, institutional capacity, coordination methods, data system quality, and stakeholder involvement on the effectiveness of M&E policy implementation in six LREB counties of Kenya. A mixed-methods research design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 384 public sector officials in Kisumu, Migori, Homabay, Siaya, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties through structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaires. Twenty-seven key informants participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression (SPSS v.25). The qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The regression model showed statistical significance (F(5,378) = 95.06, p < .001) and explained 54.9% of the variance in M&E policy effectiveness (Rē = .549). Factors including policy framework quality (? = .281, p < .001), data system quality (? = .244, p < .001), institutional capacity (? = .219, p < .001), coordination methods (? = .180, p < .001), and stakeholder engagement (? = .156, p = .003) were all significant predictors. Qualitative findings indicated that 89% of key informants noted limited evidence use. Secondary data from the e-NIMES platform revealed that 49% of Kenya's 47 counties had not updated project information or reported success stories as of 2024/25. The study concluded that M&E policy effectiveness in Kenya's County Governments is significantly limited by unclear policies, capacity issues, coordination failures, weak data systems, and little evidence use. Improving these areas is crucial for turning M&E from a compliance task into a governance tool for accountability and informed decision-making.