Abstract:
Monitoring and evaluation is meant to influence decision-making, including decisions to
improve, reorient or discontinue the evaluated intervention or policy; decisions about wider
infrastructural projects. However, despite the existence of policies in place, initiation,
implementation and completion of school infrastructural projects in Kenya remains a big
challenge. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of monitoring and evaluation in
development of school infrastructure. The objectives of the study were to; examine
components of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of infrastructure development projects in
public schools, evaluate M & E policies that ensures transparency and accountability in the
infrastructure development projects in public schools, establish the challenges faced in
monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure development in public school projects and
establish ways of improving M&E in infrastructure development in public schools. The study
was conducted in Marakwet west Sub-county of Elgeyo Marakwet County and was guided
by program theory by Terrence W Pratt. The study adopted descriptive survey research
design using mixed methods approach. A target population of 110 head teachers from both
from public secondary and primary schools in Marakwet West sub-county from which a
sample of 86 respondents was obtained using Yamane formula. One member from each
board of management, sub-county education offices, national government-constituency
development fund, parents’ association and non-governmental organizations funding school
projects were selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data was collected using
structured questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Qualitative data was collected analyzed thematically through deriving explanations and
making interpretations of the findings. Descriptive data was presented in frequency tables,
charts and percentages while qualitative data was presented thematically in line with the
objectives of the study. The results of the regression analysis indicated that there was a
relationship between the variables (M&E plan and costs, Routine programme monitoring,
human capacity for M&E, Supportive supervision and data auditing and Data dissemination
and use) and development of School infrastructure and it indicated that these variables had
positive significant influence on development of School infrastructure. This therefore
indicated that there was significant positive relationship between Monitoring and Evaluation
and development of School Infrastructure at p≤ 0.05 significance level (r =0.559). The study
therefore indicated that monitoring and evaluation influenced implementation of
infrastructure development in public schools. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation needs to
be strengthened for effective and successful school projects thus conducive learning
environment. The study recommends that monitoring and evaluation be established for
effective utilization of project funds; participation of stakeholders in monitoring and
evaluation; project costing provide a clear and adequate funds for monitoring and evaluation
events; that school infrastructural committee keeps minutes, payment receipts to ensure
transparency and accountability