Effectiveness of internal control system in higher learning institution, in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the internal control system in the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). And, therefore, the specific objectives are to assess the effectiveness of elements of the internal control system in the CUEA, which are control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication activities and monitoring activities. The study used a descriptive research design, and a sample of 53 administrative staffs was selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data collected via questionnaire were analysed by employing a descriptive statistics that contains frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The validity and reliability of the instruments were assured using the piloting and Cronbach Alpha technique. The study found that solely control the environment of the institution was effective to a great extent, but, the four elements of its internal control system were effective to a moderate extent. Therefore, the researcher concluded that the institution had an internal control system to a moderate extent proved by a mean of 3.4. This suggests that in spite of the institution designed its control environment to a great extent its policies and procedures weren’t enforced and monitored to a very great or great extent. Thus, the study recommended that the institution needs more effective implementation and monitoring of its policies and procedures and creating proper risk assessment to improve its internal control system.

Keywords: Effective, financial, internal control system, managements.