Assessing the Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks in Enhancing Performance of Public Housing Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract: Effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices are essential for enhancing project performance and achieving successful outcomes. In Kenya, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) manages large-scale housing projects aimed at addressing the national housing deficit, yet persistent performance challenges, including budgetary inefficiencies and delayed implementation, have been reported. This study examined the influence of M&E practices including planning, staff expertise, data usage, and financing on the performance of government housing construction projects in Nairobi City County. Guided by Campbell’s performance theory and the Resource-Based View theory, the research adopted a descriptive design targeting 70 housing projects implemented between FY 2019/2020 and 2023/2024. Using stratified random sampling, 64 respondents directly involved in project execution provided primary data through structured questionnaires. Instrument validity was assessed via criterion-oriented validity, while reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA 19.0. Findings revealed significant positive associations between M&E planning, staff expertise, financing, data utilization, and project performance. The study recommends that SDHUD enhance M&E planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation; invest in skilled personnel, modern tools, and capacity-building initiatives; and institutionalize data-driven decision-making. Aligning M&E financing with project objectives and documenting lessons learned are further advised to promote transparency, accountability, and sustained improvements in housing project outcomes. Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD), government housing construction projects. Title: Assessing the Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks in Enhancing Performance of Public Housing Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya Author: Otieno Eric Onyango, Lucy Ngugi International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 487-498 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 24-February-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18754834 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/assessing-the-effectiveness-of-monitoring-and-evaluation-frameworks-in-enhancing-performance-of-public-housing-construction-projects-in-nairobi-city-county-kenya