Context-Sensitive Monitoring and Evaluation Principles and Performance of Devolution Policy Harmonization Programs in Kenya

Abstract

The performance of devolution policy harmonization programs is vital for effective governance and service delivery in a devolved system. This study examined the influence of context-sensitive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles—specifically transparency, contextual understanding, and inclusion—on the performance of these programs in Kenya. The research was guided by the need to understand how these principles can lead to more effective and sustainable policy outcomes. Adopting explanatory sequential mixed method design with a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized a sample of 265 participants from a target population of 850 individuals involved in various devolution policy harmonization programs. The population included county officials, technical experts, and national government representatives. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire for quantitative analysis and virtual in-depth interviews for qualitative insights. The research instrument demonstrated high reliability, achieving a Cronbach's alpha of over 0.70. Data analysis employed both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, simple and multiple linear regression, and ANOVA). Null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. This combined effect of all three principles on performance was found to be even more substantial and statistically significant (R²=0.498, p<0.05), accounting for approximately 49.8% of the variance in program performance. The study concluded that an integrated and holistic context-sensitive M&E process significantly enhances the performance of devolution policy harmonization programs. The findings are expected to inform policymakers and development practitioners on strategies to foster more effective, accountable, and sustainable governance in a devolved system.