Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation
The Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation provides foundational training in project monitoring, evaluation methods, data collection, and performance measurement. Students learn M&E frameworks, indicator development, data collection tools, evaluation design, and reporting. The programme is designed for individuals working in or seeking to enter project management, NGO, or development sectors where monitoring and evaluation skills are essential.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 63,630 a year at a public institution, Ksh 63,630 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 97,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1 year, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in M&E framework design, indicator development, data collection methods, data analysis, evaluation design, reporting, and learning from M&E findings. The curriculum covers introduction to monitoring and evaluation, M&E frameworks, data collection methods, data analysis and management, evaluation design, reporting and communication, and M&E project work. Practical skills are developed through case studies and M&E project assignments.
Monitoring and evaluation is critical in Kenya's development sector, with NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations requiring M&E personnel to track project performance, measure impact, and ensure accountability. Kenya's vibrant NGO sector and government development programmes create sustained demand for M&E skills. The programme addresses the need for accessible, foundational M&E training for development professionals.
The programme combines classroom lectures with case studies, group discussions, and M&E project work. Students develop M&E frameworks, design data collection tools, analyse project data, and produce evaluation reports. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and project-based work. The programme is delivered through full-time mode at the Nakuru City Campus.
Graduates find employment as M&E assistants, project monitoring assistants, data collection officers, or evaluation assistants in NGOs, government agencies, development organisations, and consulting firms. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in monitoring and evaluation or project management at Kabarak University.
This programme is ideal for individuals working in or seeking to enter the development sector, including NGO staff, community development workers, and project coordinators who need M&E skills. The accessible entry requirements make it suitable for diverse learners seeking practical M&E competencies.
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation
- M&E Frameworks and Logic Models
- Indicator Development and Performance Measurement
- Data Collection Methods and Tools
- Data Analysis and Management
- Evaluation Design and Methods
- Reporting and Communication of M&E Findings
- Project Management Basics
- M&E in Development Contexts
- M&E Project Work
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Monitoring and Evaluation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to monitoring and evaluation covering M&E concepts, purposes, the role of M&E in project management, and the M&E cycle in development projects.
M&E Frameworks and Logic Models
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
M&E frameworks covering logical framework approach, theory of change, results chains, and developing M&E frameworks for development projects.
Indicator Development and Data Collection
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Indicator development covering SMART indicators, output/outcome/impact indicators, and data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation.
Data Analysis and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Data analysis and management covering data entry, cleaning, descriptive statistics, data visualisation, and using spreadsheets for M&E data management.
Evaluation Design and Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Evaluation design covering types of evaluation (formative, summative, process, impact), evaluation questions, evaluation methods, and designing evaluation studies.
Reporting and Communication of M&E Findings
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Reporting and communication covering M&E report writing, data visualisation for reporting, communicating findings to stakeholders, and learning from M&E results.
Project Management and M&E in Development Contexts
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Project management basics and M&E in development contexts covering the project cycle, M&E in NGO and government projects, and accountability in development programming.
M&E Project and Capstone
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
An M&E project developing a complete M&E plan for a development project, including framework, indicators, data collection plan, and reporting template.
Specialisations
Project Monitoring
Focus on project monitoring activities including indicator tracking, progress monitoring, and routine data collection for development projects.
Evaluation Design
Focus on evaluation design, evaluation methods, and conducting project evaluations including formative, summative, and impact evaluations.
Data Management for M&E
Focus on M&E data management including data collection, cleaning, analysis, visualisation, and database management.
A day as a student
A typical day involves morning lectures on M&E theory and frameworks, followed by afternoon practical sessions developing M&E tools and analysing data. Students design logframes, develop indicators, create data collection instruments, and analyse project data. Case studies of real development projects provide practical context, while project work involves developing a complete M&E plan for a hypothetical or real project.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for M&E skills in Kenya's vibrant NGO and development sector. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in monitoring and evaluation at Kabarak University. | Senior M&E roles require diploma or degree-level qualifications plus experience. |
| Practical, applicable skills that are immediately useful in development project work. | M&E work involves significant field data collection which can be challenging in remote areas. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU 63.6K pub, Kabarak 97.7K/yr priv (ku.ac.ke, kabarak.ac.ke).
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students. Kabarak University may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE D+ (Plus) or equivalent qualification recognised by Kabarak University Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Kabarak University, Kisii University, Kenyatta University.
Including Kabarak University, Kisii University, Kenyatta University.
Including Kabarak University, Kisii University, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination40% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of M&E concepts, frameworks, and data collection methods.
Practical Assignments and Case Studies
Project30% of the mark
Practical assignments including developing M&E frameworks, designing data collection tools, and analysing case study data.
End of Semester Examinations and M&E Project
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and an M&E project developing a complete monitoring and evaluation plan for a development project.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Kabarak University is chartered by CUE.
Kabarak University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the Nakuru City Campus.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesM&E Assistant
High demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 70,000
Assists in monitoring and evaluation activities in NGOs or development organisations, supporting data collection, indicator tracking, and M&E reporting.
Project Monitoring Assistant
High demand
Supports project monitoring in NGOs or government projects, tracking project progress, collecting monitoring data, and preparing monitoring reports.
Data Collection Officer
High demand
Collects project data through surveys, interviews, and field visits for M&E purposes in development projects and programmes.
Evaluation Assistant
Moderate demand
Supports evaluation activities in consulting firms or development organisations, assisting with evaluation design, data collection, and evaluation reporting.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as M&E assistants, project monitoring assistants, and data collection officers in NGOs, government agencies, and development organisations, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes.
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
DataPrimary
KoboToolbox
Data
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Monitoring and evaluation is just about counting project outputs.
M&E involves complex framework design, outcome measurement, impact evaluation, data analysis, and learning from findings to improve project effectiveness.
M&E is only for large international NGOs.
M&E skills are needed across NGOs of all sizes, government agencies, community organisations, and even private sector project management.
M&E requires advanced statistical knowledge.
Foundational M&E uses accessible data collection and analysis methods, with more advanced statistics needed only for complex impact evaluations.
A certificate in M&E has limited career value.
Kenya's development sector has high demand for M&E personnel, and the certificate provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in M&E.