Monitoring and Evaluation as a Driver of Public Service Delivery Performance in Local Government Authorities: Evidence from Meru District Council, Tanzania

Abstract

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) has increasingly become an important instrument for strengthening accountability, evidence-based decision-making, and public service delivery in Local Government Authorities (LGAs). This study examined the role of M&E as a driver of public service delivery performance in Meru District Council, Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach guided by the pragmatism research philosophy and a concurrent mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 80 respondents using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and documentary review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were analyses thematically. Findings indicate that M&E systems are formally recognised through Result-Based Management, Logical Framework Approach, and Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation, but their effective institutionalisation is constrained by limited staff familiarity, inadequate training, low digitalisation, and weak dissemination of M&E findings. The study concludes that strengthening capacity, ICT infrastructure, stakeholder participation, and utilisation of M&E findings is essential for improving public service delivery.