This chapter presents the evaluation conclusions on UNDP performance and contributions to development results in Kenya, recommendations, and the management response.
3.1 Conclusions Conclusion 1. UNDP has played an important role in supporting the Government of Kenya in implementing its devolution objectives, and has been largely effective in meeting the programming challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The devolution programme reflects strong UNDP alignment with the Government’s objectives. UNDP is regarded as a strong and reliable partner; flexible and open to modifying its objectives. The UNDP role as an independent actor is becoming increasingly important in the context of shrinking civic space,83 and it is valued for its ability to broaden networks and enhance interaction between partners working in the same areas. While challenges remain, the gains of devolution are being experienced at varying levels within the 14 counties currently being supported by UNDP. Devolution has led to improved service delivery and localized efforts to enhance good governance. The governance and devolution programme in Kenya is therefore relevant, largely effective and essentially sustainable. A major area of concern that could negatively affect programme sustainability is the poor level of communication with donors, especially in terms of financial reporting and donor visibility. Improved devolution has also been the foundation for the localization of the SDGs, as well as the development of local-level COVID-19 recovery plans. A further challenge is that, while devolution requires a long-term commitment from all stakeholders, it is unclear whether key donors are willing to continue to support the programme. Conclusion 2. Support to the operationalization of policies and legal frameworks on conflict management and human security at national, county and local levels has been achieved through the collaboration of Government and CSOs. UNDP has strengthened peace capacities at national, county and community levels. The success of UNDP work under Outcome 2 is evident in the strong partnerships with the Government and its agencies, CSOs and other United Nations agencies. UNDP has, to a great extent, contributed to the electoral process in Kenya by strengthening IEBC and other agencies concerned with elections in the county. The introduction of human rights in UNDP work over the last two country programme cycles has contributed to the integration of human rights into legislation at all levels of government, and strengthened human rights awareness in targeted counties. Conclusion 3. UNDP work on inclusive growth in Kenya has proven highly relevant in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and environmental and social standards in the small-scale mining sector, but the effectiveness of projects in these areas has been very limited due to flaws in the design of project activities, limited follow-up and engagement with partners, and funding shortfalls.
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Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution but the space for critique and dissent has already come under pressure, with recent arrests of media, social media and civil society actors for reporting on issues related to corruption, public debt and the COVID-19 response. United Nations Common Country Analysis Report for Kenya Synthesised draft, 8 September 2021, p. 20.
CHAPTER 3. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSE
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