Making Values Based Monitoring and Evaluation Work for Devolution Harmonization Programs in Kenya

Abstract

The conceptual paper fills in the acute gap between the constitutional promise of devolution in Kenya and the actual implementation process by exploring how a Values-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (VBME) framework can be implemented to bring more harmony between national and county governments and among county governments themselves. Using a conceptual type of research design, the study combines the secondary literature review, national policy reports like the Kenya National M&E Policy of 2022, and empirical reports to develop a new analytical model. The model is informed by the Public Value Theory, Institutional Theory, Stewardship Theory, and politics of evidence. The results show that the current M&E systems, including the County Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (CIMES) are structural incompatible with the fundamental values of devolution. They serve as vehicles of siloed compliance and not of equity, accountability and collaborative governance. Experimental data show that context-specific norms such as transparency and inclusiveness form important predictors of harmonization program performance. This study to transition from finds that transformational change is necessary to shift from the compliance-driven and values-driven measurement, with a framework of the VBME being suggested to assess and reward cooperative stewardship and fair results. Recommendations include piloting co-created value-based indicators within a few counties, enhancing requirements regarding participatory M&E, and investing in the capacity building through trans-disciplinary capabilities. This study adds to M&E theory and practice by illustrating that grounding evaluation systems with foundational values in public systems is a functional requirement towards the realization of coherent and legitimate decentralized governance in Kenya and similar settings.