Includes bibliographic references and appendices

Management by Objectives (MBO) is a performance management approach where
employees and managers collaborate to set individual goals aligned with broader
organizational objectives. While MBO's potential benefits are recognized, its
effectiveness, particularly in the context of varying organizational cultures and
appraisal purposes, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship
between MBO and employee performance within Isiolo County Government.
Previous research in Kenya has primarily focused on specific MBO components like
monitoring and evaluation rather than its overall impact on performance. To address
this gap, the study examined the influence of planning, monitoring, and evaluation on
employee performance in Isiolo County. Grounded in socio-analytic, mirror, and
agency theories, this descriptive research involved 260 employees across seven
county ministries. Data was collected using a questionnaire subjected to pilot testing
and reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78). Content validity was established
through expert review. Statistical analysis revealed evidence of effective planning,
monitoring, and evaluation practices in Isiolo County. Process review and monitoring
significantly influenced evaluation outcomes. Additionally, planning and monitoring
positively impacted overall employee performance. However, the study found no
significant influence of evaluation on performance. Based on these findings, the study
recommends continuous improvement in planning and monitoring processes to
enhance employee performance. Moreover, there is a critical need for organizations to
refine their evaluation systems. To gain a deeper understanding of the long-term
impact of evaluation on employee performance in Kenyan county governments,
longitudinal research is warranted