Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A delegation of Members of Parliament drawn from two key National Assembly committees — the Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee (DFAC) and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee — is attending a high-level capacity building retreat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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The training, organized by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), focuses on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Self-Mastery under the theme “Incorporating Monitoring and Evaluation in Committees for Effective Legislative Performance.”
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The forum has brought together legislators from the DFAC, NGCDF, and the Delegated Legislation Committee to deepen their understanding of how Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) can be integrated into Parliament’s core functions of representation, legislation, and oversight.
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During the sessions, the MPs explored the end-to-end processes of parliamentary work, emphasizing the need for measurable, evidence-based decision-making in the management of public resources.
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Discussions centered on ensuring that the socio-economic impact of legislative decisions and development projects is quantifiable and citizen-focused. Lawmakers underscored that monitoring and evaluation should not be viewed as a bureaucratic process, but rather as a strategic governance tool that enhances transparency and accountability.
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By institutionalizing M&E, Parliament can ensure that projects implemented through devolved funds such as the NGCDF and DFAC deliver tangible benefits to communities across Kenya.
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The retreat also highlighted the importance of strategic communication in an era of rapid technological advancement and information overload. Legislators discussed how misinformation and disinformation can distort public perceptions of government performance, calling for transparent, factual, and timely communication of committee work and outcomes.
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“As representatives of the people, we must ensure our communication is both clear and credible. M&E helps us base our messages on verified data, reducing the risks of misinformation that might eclipse the actual state of the nation,” remarked Hon. Stephen Mogaka.
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He further noted that parliamentary committees remain central to the functioning of the legislature, adding that without effective monitoring and evaluation of legislative and development processes, the efficiency and transparency of governance would be compromised.
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Participants were challenged to apply M&E principles beyond fund oversight — extending them to policy formulation, leadership ethics, and citizen engagement. Through interactive sessions, MPs explored practical ways to link planning to measurable results, lead effectively in uncertain environments, and promote ethical leadership in legislative work.
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The CPST reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the institutional capacity of Parliament and County Assemblies, ensuring they remain efficient, accountable, and service-oriented.
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At the close of the retreat, MPs resolved to develop actionable frameworks for integrating monitoring and evaluation into parliamentary operations upon their return to Nairobi — a move expected to strengthen oversight and improve the delivery of public services.
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