Thesis:

Harmonization of environmental-social standards and monitoring and evaluation systems of infrastructure projects: a case of Mombasa special economic zone, Mombasa county, Kenya

The development of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the Kenyan Ports Authority (KPA), financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has progressively encountered issues with the environmental and social standards established by local regulations in contrast to those of the financial agency. The discrepancy frequently led to significant delays in project initiation, with some phases deferred for nearly two years. The non-standardization among these criteria has heightened the risk, in severe instances, of international collaborators retracting this support. The absence of uniformity results in inefficient resource utilization, leading to inflated expenses that compromise the overall cost effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation. The disparity in standards presents a significant challenge for compliance, as projects strive to meet both local and international environmental and social standards. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of harmonizing environmental and social standards on the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya. The objective of the study is to analyze the harmonization of environmental and social standards in terms of accuracy of M&E data collection, M&E outcomes, cost-effectiveness of M&E, and M&E standards in the Mombasa Special Economic Zone by the Kenya Ports Authority. The study uses institutional theory. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study used a descriptive study design. The target population in this study included all individuals directly involved in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes of the Conditional Grant Infrastructure project by JICA at KPA, Mombasa. The study conducted a census and used questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion as tools for data collection. The study analyzed quantitative data using both descriptive and inferential analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study is significant in terms of stakeholder satisfaction. Infrastructure projects involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, local communities, and environmental organizations. Non-harmonized standards may cause confusion or dissatisfaction among such stakeholders and may lead to delays or, worst, conflicts. The investigation, therefore, into this problem will be instrumental in providing recommendations that may be useful in restoring stakeholder confidence in the M&E results, thereby facilitating the harmonious execution of projects. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that harmonizing environmental and social standards significantly enhances the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems in infrastructure projects. Specifically, harmonization promotes consistency and uniformity in data collection, improves the quality, timeliness, and strategic alignment of reports, optimizes resource allocation and reduces duplication, leading to cost-effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices, and strengthens methodological alignment, accountability, and data comparability.