The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation in HIV and AIDS Programs in Kenya: A Case of Civil Society Organizations in Nairobi

Abstract

This study sought to find out the function played by monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) response among civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nairobi, Kenya. It was guided by four objectives: assessing the need for M&E, examining intermediate result of M&E, identifying existing best practices in M&E and assessing the challenges faced in M&E of HIV/AIDS programs. The target populations were two CSOs based in Nairobi County, namely KELIN and NEPHAK. The study adopted descriptive research design while purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were employed. Data was gathered using 70 structured questionnaires and 7 key interviews guide. A total of 77 respondents were used in this study; 70 for quantitative data and seven for qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 21 and Microsoft Excel software‟s while thematic analysis was adopted for qualitative data. The study adopted change in evaluation approaches and origin of HIV/AIDS virus. The assessment established the following about M&E of HIV/AIDS programs by CSOs: it was implemented by 100% of CSOs, formed critical part of donor requirements, helped track progress of projects, showed value for money, and used to demonstrate achieved milestones to donors. However, M&E was deemed costly by CSOs. M&E of HIV programs were unified under the KNASF. The study concluded that M&E played critical role in HIV/AIDS programs. It recommended that CSOs should ensure that M&E are built into HIV programs, the need to share M&E outputs with community implementers, and need for deliberate resource mobilization for M&E.