A systematic and objective process that periodically assesses a project against certain standards of acceptability.

Monitoring is the routine collection of information to track progress, while evaluation is used to determine the relevance and fulfillment of objectives, developmental efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a process that helps improve performance and achieve results. Its goal is to improve current and future management of outputs, outcomes and impact.

Monitoring will show whether the intended results are being achieved as planned and it indicates whether the initiatives are making positive contribution towards development.

Evaluation provides feedback that can be used to improve programming, policy, and strategy and identifies unintended results and consequences of development initiatives.

These are: M&E Framework, M&E Guidelines, M&E Plans, Performance indicators, and Public Expenditure Tracking Survey.

NIMES is the National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Systems.

It was established to track all Government Programmes, Progress of implementation of ERS and subsequently the Kenya Vision 2030 through its MTPs and to integrate all M&E systems in the Public Sector at the National level.

An indicator is a tool that helps one to know whether the work is making a difference. Indicators are signs of progress – they are used to determine whether the programme/intervention or progress is being made or is on its way to achieving its objectives and goals.

Indicators are realistic and measurable criteria of project progress. They should be defined before the project starts, and allow us to monitor or evaluate whether a project does what it said it would do. Indicators usually describe observable changes or events which relate to the project intervention.

1. Resources available.
2. Performance by the department in the previous year.
3. The measure on the baseline.