Influence of Knowledge Management on Monitoring and Evaluation: A Case of Health NGOs in Kenya

In the rapidly changing environment and the high technology atmosphere of the 21st century, organizations are becoming more innovative than ever before. Most organizations in the developed and the developing world are opting for change in management, looking for ways to improve their ability to create new ideas and to develop the best environment for creation of ideas. Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management is now recognized as an organizations most valuable asset. This study examines how knowledge management practices are linked with monitoring and evaluation, and their contribution to the development in Kenya and Africa. The aim of the study was to establish influence of knowledge management on monitoring and evaluation in health NGOs in Kenya. The study adopted practical research methodology that was able to generate key evidence to inform learning at all levels. Data collection was done using structured staff interviews to capture quantitative data while key informant guides were used to capture qualitative data to back up the quantitative data. The findings reveal that few organizations have put in place strategies to adopt knowledge management practices despite the fact that most of them appreciate the benefits of knowledge. Health NGOs in Kenya have also supportive organizational culture and promote involvement of employees in decision making, however, they are yet to promote management support and employee motivation. Furthermore, 50 % of NGOs have M& E plans to inform projects planning and implementation. The study also reveals that M& E training has a strong influence on the role of evaluation in organizations. Based on the study findings, there is need for allocation of adequate resources of support Monitoring& Evaluation and Knowledge Management functions, strengthening management support, and standardizing M& E systems. Further research needs to be done on influence of M& E and knowledge management on organizational effectiveness.