POLICY EVALUATION IN KENYA: METHODS, IMPLICATIONS IN PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, AND CHALLENGES

Policy evaluation is a critical component in public governance, providing a systematic approach to assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of public policies. Despite its significance, the evaluation process faces methodological, political, and institutional challenges that hinder its ability to provide accurate and actionable insights. This study examines the policy evaluation in Kenya by analysing various methods and approaches used, assessing its broader implications for public governance and decision-making, and identifying the challenges that constrain the evaluation process. The study adopted a qualitative approach by reviewing analysing the secondary data to arrive at a conclusion. The findings reveals that Kenya uses a mixed approach of policy evaluation, while policy evaluation enhances transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making; it is often constrained by political influence, resource limitations, and methodological complexities. The study underscores the need for strengthening institutional capacities, promoting stakeholder engagement, and adopting more rigorous evaluation methodologies to improve policy effectiveness. Ultimately, the research contributes to the discourse on governance by emphasizing the pivotal role of policy evaluation in shaping public administration, informing policy reforms, and enhancing overall government performance. Keywords: Policy Evaluation, Governance, Public Policy