Effective decision-making during the design, appraisal, and implementation of development programs is to an extent influenced by information generated from monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. Considerable efforts are thus needed to identify and strengthen subdimensions of M&E system resilience to ensure that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advance their decision-making capabilities. This research examines sub-dimensions of M&E system resilience among NGOs in Nairobi and their influence on development program decision-making. Results should assist NGOs to build and manage effective M&E systems that meaningfully support management decision-making. A partially mixed concurrent equal status research design was adopted. A sample size of 348 local, national and international NGOs was targeted to be included in the study. Using a stratified and simple random sampling approach, 254 respondents participated in the quantitative survey research while 17 participated in key informant interview. Data was collected between March and April 2019. The study found that resilient M&E systems explained 41 percent of the variance of improved development program decision-making. 58 percent of NGOs with resilient M&E systems used M&E information and data even after program closure for post evaluations initiatives. It is thus important for NGOs to set up, operate, and maintain resilient M&E systems, given the positive relationship a resilient M&E system has with improved proficiencies to make effective program decisions. NGOs should setup and maintain resilient M&E systems whose services supersede project lifespans and are not adversely subject to employee turn-over.
Keywords: Decision-making, Monitoring, Evaluation, Non-Governmental organizations, Resilience, Development
Abbreviations: M&E – Monitoring and Evaluation,
NGO – Non-Government Organization
