PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF AJIRA DIGITAL PROGRAM IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Keywords:
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices, Participatory Decision Making, Participatory Capacity Building, Performance of Ajira Digital ProgramAbstract
The AJIRA Digital Program, initiated by the Government of Kenya, aims to equip youth with the digital skills needed to participate in online work opportunities. This program addresses the high youth unemployment rates in Kenya by providing training in digital skills and facilitating access to online job platforms. Despite the significant efforts and resources dedicated to the AJIRA Digital Program, its effectiveness in addressing youth unemployment in Nakuru County remains underexplored and potentially underutilized due to inadequate Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) practices. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of participatory monitoring and evaluation practices and performance of Ajira Digital Program in Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of participatory decision making and participatory capacity building in enhancing the effectiveness of the AJIRA Digital Program. This study was guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Diffusion of Innovations Theory. This study used a descriptive research design. This study was conducted in Nakuru County, Kenya and focused on Ajira Digital Program. According to County annual report (2023), Nakuru County has 6 ajira digital centres. This study therefore targeted a ajira digital manager and 30 ajira representatives in every centre. The total population was therefore 186 respondents. The study’s sample size was reached at using Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination formula. Therefore, using the formula, the sample size for the study was 125 respondents. The respondents were chosen with the help of simple random sampling technique. Data that was used in the study was collected by way of structured questionnaires. This study piloted the questionnaire on 13 respondents which represents 10% of study sample size. Data obtained from the field was coded, cleaned, and entered into the computer for analysis using the SPSS version 25. Data analysis was done through use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistical included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistical analysis used was regression analysis and correlation analysis. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that participatory decision making has a positive and significant effect on the success of the AJIRA Digital Program. Further, the study concludes that participatory capacity building has a positive and significant effect on enhancing the effectiveness of the AJIRA Digital Program. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of AJIRA Digital Program in Kenya should institutionalize inclusive decision-making forums that regularly involve youth beneficiaries, trainers, and key stakeholders in shaping the direction of the AJIRA Digital Program
Key Words: Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices, Participatory Decision Making, Participatory Capacity Building, Performance of Ajira Digital Program
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