| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of internal audit in promoting
effective management in water provision services. Internal auditing is primarily directed
at improving internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
achievement of objectives in effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of
financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations. Internal auditor is considered
one of the “four pillars” of corporate governances, the other pillars being the board of
directors, management and the external auditor (Glascock, 2007).
According to Hamers (1998) duties and responsibilities of Internal Auditor (IA) are
reviewing the compliance with the existing governance financial regulations, instructions
and procedures, evaluating effectiveness of internal control systems, appraising the
economy and the effectiveness with which financial and other resources are being used,
reviewing the reliability and integrity of record keeping and reporting the financial and
operation information system, post audit of payment, assessment of risk and consulting
the management as need arises.
This study aims to establish the relationship between the role of internal audit and
effective management in water services providers. The study used a summary based on a
case study of the Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (EWASCO). The sample
for the study was obtained using purposeful sampling technique, stratified sampling and
cross-sectional methods since the respondents were from different layers of the company
stakeholders, and that the cost of internal auditing function which results from
implementation of internal audit practices (roles) was picked between years 2007 – 2011
in EWASCO Ltd.
The sample used is made up of various categories of stakeholders, roles of internal audit
and the consequential cost of internal audit function which includes salaries and wages,
traveling and accommodation, training and development among others. The benefits of
the role of internal audit lead to increased effectiveness of management of EWASCO Ltd
which was able to increase both revenue and house hold water connections. The research
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established a relationship R f (c) where R is the total revenue earned by EWASCO and
C is the cost of implementation of the functional roles of internal audit.
The study used qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Descriptive method
was applied on qualitative data. Scales of 1 – 5 were used to quantify the qualitative data
which captured the roles and benefits of the internal audit. Quantitative data was fed to
the computer and analyzed using SPSS version 17 program. Person model of analysis,
charts and tables were used to present the results conveying visual impression of
relationships. Correlation, coefficient was used to establish the relationship. In this study
Person’s correlation was determined at 1 tail test, 5% significant level and 95%
confidence interval, and it was found to be 0.8999 which implies a very high correlation
between variables cost of internal audit and revenue earned.
The study has revealed that an increase in cost of internal audit will lead to an increase in
the revenue earned when all other variables remain constant. That is R f (c), (revenue
is a function of cost). The water reforms by EWASCO which have called for
development infrastructure and organizational structures that include well developed
internal audit; will achieve greater efficiency and more responsiveness to the public
needs.
The study found out that 83% of respondent’s believe that the roles of internal audit
increased effectiveness and integrity of financial and operations of EWASCO. 75%
believe there is increased reliability and integrity of financial and operational
information; 67% of respondents’ believe there is increased compliance with laws and
regulations; ability to validate and honor customer’s needs and expectations and that
communications of audit findings to the board of directors and shareholders is improved.
However, the study found out that only 17% of respondents believe that role of internal
audit enhance job satisfaction for internal audit staff.
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There is efficient and effective internal audit and internal control system and
investigating units at Embu Water Services Provision Company (EWASCO). Thus, the
water services providers should be remolded and strengthened to position them to
discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. The component sectors should be
unbundled into separate distinct, independent entities that handle generation,
transmission, distributions and marketing. The sector should be without falsifications and
frauds currently being witnessed. | en |
