Developmental Evaluation in Complex Governance Systems: Learning and Adaptation in Policy Implementation

Abstract

This paper discussed how Developmental Evaluation (DE) may be used to improve the responsiveness and resource distribution by governance in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective of the research was to evaluate how DE can be effective in improving policy flexibility, resource allocation, and economic sustainability of the governance systems in Nairobi. The paper also cited impediments of DE implementation whereby political opposition and institutional inertia were identified as the barriers to the efficiency of DE. The research was based on the Systems Theory which stipulated that complex systems such as the urban governance system needed feedback and lifelong learning in order to adjust. The mixed-method strategy was adopted and entailed a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews using 100 respondents who were government officials, policymakers, and DE experts. The results showed that DE was far more effective in terms of governance responsiveness, with 72 percent of the respondents agreeing that quicker adjustments in policies could be made with the help of real time feedback. On the same note, DE strengthened the allocation of resources, with three-quarters of the respondents claiming to have increased efficiency in allocation of resources. Nevertheless, the issues of inter-sectoral coordination inhibited the maximum potential of DE, as 60 percent of the respondents have indicated. The major barriers to the implementation of DE were political resistance and institutional barriers with 62 percent and 59 percent of the respondents indicating the same respectively. Nevertheless, DE yielded positive results in the long-term governance and 68 percent of the respondents affirmed its long-term effect. The research highlighted the necessity of capacity-building and political commitment to the need to overcome such barriers in making DE successful in the long term. It was concluded that DE had a huge potential of enhancing governance in Nairobi but it needed more institutional structures, cross-sector partnership, and continued training in order to maximise its advantages. The research suggested the inclusion of DE in policy-making and strengthening of community involvement to achieve the best in governance in Nairobi.