Abstract:
Effective and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a necessity for the successful realization of the objectives of the municipal projects. Despite the recognition of the importance of M&E in enhancing the realization of expected project outcomes, quite often municipal official in most LGAs fail to meet their potentials in monitoring public social projects for unknown reasons. This study explores institutional factors contributing to ineffective monitoring of public projects implemented by municipal officials in Kinondoni District. The study employed a descriptive, case research design. A mixed research approach was adopted in which qualitative data feature more than quantitative ones. The tools for data collection included interviews, questionnaires as well as documentary reviews. Both, probability and non-probability techniques were utilised towards selecting a sample size of 120 officials from all the 12 departments and 4 sections of the Kinondoni Municipality.While thematic analysis was utilised in analysing qualitative data, descriptive analysis was employed towards analysis of quantitative data using measures of central tendency such as mean and standard deviation through a Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20, and presented by using tables and figures. In the light of the study findings, the study revealed that municipal officials werknowledgeable and had capabilities of conducting M&E practices. However; due to various factors such as unavailability of resources, socio cultural factors, poor means of effecting strategies, as well as low perceived self efficacy towards meeting targets, their capabilities were constrained. Based on the findings, the study concludes that both, individual and institutional factors contribute significantly in execution of M&E activities at the municipal level. However, institutional factors surpass the individual factors. Notably, regulative factor was a leading institutional factor compared to others in limiting the capabilities of municipal officials in undertaking M&E. The study ends by recommending several regulative and cognitive measures to enhance effective engagement of municipal officials in undertaking M&E. Among others include institutionalization of M&E framework and establishment of legal framework for effective and efficient execution of M&E practices. Further, it calls for review of Local Government Reform Programme of 1998 to address institutionalization of M&E framework and establishment of legal framework for effective and efficient execution of M&E practices
