The Moderating Effect of Managerial Support on the Relationship Between M & E Reporting and Performance of Dairy Processing Projects in Kiambu County
Main Article Content
Keywords
Monitoring & evaluation reporting, managerial support, dairy processing, project performance, Kenya
Abstract
This study examines the moderating effect of managerial support on the relationship between M&E reporting and the performance of dairy processing projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. Despite the dairy sector's significant contribution to Kenya’s economy (6-8% of GDP), challenges such as inefficiencies in M&E systems, inadequate managerial support, and inconsistent project performance persist to haunt dairy processing firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on resource-based view theory. Using an explanatory research design, the study collected quantitative data from 162 stakeholders, consisting of project officers, monitoring officers, engineers, suppliers and distributors, selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were administered, with a pilot study conducted before hand to assess their validity through factor analysis and reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical regression to test moderation effects. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between M&E reporting and project performance (r = 0.617, p < 0.01), indicating that effective M&E practices enhance operational performance. However, managerial support negatively moderated the relationship between M&E reporting and performance (β = -1.539, p > 0.05), suggesting that current managerial interventions may inadvertently undermine reporting efficacy. The study concludes that while M&E systems are critical for project success, their effectiveness is contingent on specific managerial support. To enhance dairy project performance, stakeholders should prioritize robust M&E systems by adopting digital tools, standardized reporting, and capacity building. Policymakers and development partners must institutionalize M&E frameworks, ensure technical autonomy, and align funding with compliance to sustain long-term impact.
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