Local governments (LGs), in countries implementing decentralisation policy reform, have been given a crucial role in the policy implementation process that includes, inter alia, monitoring the implementation of decentralised programmes to ensure that the programmes are efficiently and effectively implemented, and they have made numerous efforts to execute this role. These include designing monitoring systems, capacity development, engaging the community in the monitoring process and collaborating with the nongovernmental sector. This article, based on a literature review, examines the monitoring role of LGs in implementing decentralisation from an international perspective. Drawing experiences from developing and developed countries, it is proved that while LGs have made such efforts, their efficiency and effectiveness have been limited, more so in developing countries. It is argued that although LGs have made more progress in develo