Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation on the Poverty Graduation Program of Boma In Ngurunit, Namarei and Illautlocations, Marsabit County, Kenya

Since 1990, more than 1.1 billion people have moved out of extreme poverty globally. Africa is the poorest, with 28 of the world‟s poorest countries, and more than half of the world‟s poor, living in Sub-Sahara. Kenya is ranked eighth globally and sixth in Africa, among countries with the largest number of people living in extreme poverty with 29% (14.7 million) of its population consuming less than $1.90 (Sh197) per day or Kshs 5,910 monthly. Marsabit County, poverty index rating in 2018, stood at 83.2%. Against this backdrop, BOMA Project a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working in Marsabit County put in place a poverty graduation program. This study sought to examine the extent to which monitoring and evaluation (M&E) contributed to project performance. The main objective of the study was to analyse the influence of the monitoring and evaluation system on BOMA‟s poverty graduation program in Ngurunit, Namarei and Illaut Locations, in Marsabit County. The specific objectives were to: Establish influence of monitoring and evaluation on the performance of BOMA micro businesses in Ngurunit, Namarei And Illaut Locations, Marsabit County; Establish influence of monitoring and evaluation on human capacity building in BOMA Project; Establish influence of monitoring and evaluation data on the performance of saving and lending scheme of BOMA micro businesses in Ngurunit, Namarei And Illaut Locations, Marsabit County. The researcher conducted an experimental study, where a Randomized Control Trail (RCT) was used to evaluate the influence of BOMA‟s project, alongside other mixed research approaches (Interviews, FGDs and document analysis) for triangulation purposes. The study targeted women adults, who benefited from BOMA intervention and graduated more than a year ago and those who have never benefited from BOMA programs. A random sample of 49 women was used, 24 beneficiaries and 25 non-beneficiaries. 13 interviews were conducted with project implementers (10 field officers and 3 with M&E officers). Face to face interviews, questionnaires, documents analysis and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results reveal high increase in assets, income and savings with BOMA beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries. BOMA beneficiaries reported a cumulative 78% increase in income compared to only 20% by non-beneficiaries. A 100% of beneficiaries have savings and save regularly in more than one place compared to only 20% of the non-beneficiaries with saving and only 8% who regularly save. Also results shows that BOMA beneficiaries have been empowered to access credit services. On borrowing 96% of the beneficiaries borrow compared to only 8% of non-beneficiaries with 100% beneficiaries in position to repay their own loans compared to only 8% of non-beneficiaries. These results can be attributed to the monitoring and evaluation as a management function, as confirmed by the FGDS. In conclusion, the study has shown that monitoring and evaluation has an influence on project performance. However, M&E results and findings shared to all relevant people for timely decisions and planning. BOMA management also should take active part in M&E activities. The study is therefore beneficial to NGOs, donor agencies, project managers, policy makers and project management students who are involved in the designing and implementation of result-based and effective M&E.