| dc.description.abstract | HIV and AIDS is a pandemic that contributed to 70% of the global deaths between 2001 and 2012. About 1.6 million people were estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS by the end of 2013. There is a concerted global effort to address the HIV and AIDS epidemic through bilateral and project funding. The expected outcomes of these projects are typically ascertained through monitoring and evaluation. However, studies have revealed that there is a big challenge in the implementation of effective M&E systems for HIV and AIDs programs. The accuracy of the data generated from compromised M&E systems is questionable and decisions based on such inaccurate data can be grossly misleading. The purpose of the study was therefore to investigate the determinants of effective M&E systems in HIV and AIDs programs. The main objective of this study was to establish the determinants of effective M&E systems in HIV and AIDS Programs in dispensaries within Kisumu County. The specific objectives were; to examine budgetary allocation for M&E activities in HIV and AIDS programs in public dispensaries within Kisumu County, to determine the M&E capacity and expertise in HIV and AIDS programs in public dispensaries within Kisumu county and to examine the extent of stakeholders engagement during M&E processes in HIV and AIDS public programs in dispensaries within Kisumu County. The study adopted a cross sectional study design which targeted public dispensaries from which a sample of 59 facilities was drawn using Yamane’s formula. Multistage sampling was used in the study and data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study established that most (78.7%), facilities had a budget for M&E but in many cases these budgets were inadequate (75.7%), the funds were not availed in good time (73.0%). and they were not put into intended uses (74.5%). There was understaffing in most facilities (74.1%) despite the presence of M&E in charges and coordination units in most of the facilities. The staff who executed the M&E activities in almost half of the facilities (44.7%) were not trained in M&E process and of the trained staff, only a handful (3.8%) hand a formal training at certificate level and above. There was frequent collaboration with external M&E officers in most facilities (87.2%) but involvement of the key stakeholders during M&E process was not equal. The study concludes that budgetary allocation and inadequate staff capacity and expertise for M&E activities have negatively influenced the effectiveness of the M&E systems. The study recommends that M&E budgets should be increased and the management of the funds improved. It also recommends that staff for M&E be increased and their capacity enhanced. Further, the engagement of stakeholders during M&E process should be widened and that methods of disseminating M&E information should be varied. | en_US |
