Aligning Technical Capability With Integrated Financial Management Information System And Supply Chain Measures In The Kenyan Public Sector

Abstract

The Kenyan Government Introduced Integrated Financial Management Information System with aim of improving supply chain measures practices. The main aim of this study was to investigate aligning technical capability with IFMIS and supply chain measures in the Kenyan public sector. The objectives of the study were to determine how technical capability aligns with IFMIS and Supply Chain Measures in the Kenyan public sector; to establish the relationship between technical capability and IFMIS and Supply Chain Measures in the Kenyan Public sector; to investigate the impact of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) on supply chain measures in the public sector. The study significantly will help to resolve some of the challenges faced by the procurement officers, while it’s being re-engineered, thus it will act as a source of efficiency and effectiveness in their day to day operations. Moreover, the results of this study will enable the government to formulate strategy to ensure IFMIS implementation is successful. The study will be based on Resource-based theory which analyzes the sources and sustainability of IFMIS the supply chain measures. The research study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of study consisted of five ministries under the National Government of Kenya, the target population of the study include the Information Technology officers, Accountants, finance officers and procurement officers in the selected Ministries. Primary data was collected from respondents by using questionnaire. The data was coded to check for errors and omissions. Questionnaires responses were tabulated and processed by use of SPSS for data analysis. Percentages and frequency tables were used to present findings and regression analysis performed between technical capacity and IFMIS implementation elements. Majority of the respondents reiterated that skilled manpower, implementation strategy, employee commitment and dedication affect the Alignment technical capability of IFMIS on SCM in their ministries to a great extent. Respondents agreed that Lack of shared information technology vision contributes to the most severe problems in technical alignment of IFMIS and SCM in the government ministry. Most of the respondents indicated that IFMIS introduction has reduced manual data entry in line with the supply chain measures. The study concludes that there has been a moderate level of technical alignment of IFMIS in the government ministries. Traceability, Reduced corruption and Timeliness in place affect the technical alignment of IFMIS. IFMIS forms part of the financial management reform practices of developing countries globally. It holds benefits such as effective control over public finances, contributes to the enhancement of transparency and accountability and serves as a deterrent to corruption and fraud. The IFMIS should be designed to accommodate all financial transactions within the government to reduce waste, enhance record keeping, for planning and reduction of corruption. There is need to ensure that the requisite infrastructure are in place especially in outlying areas out of all public sector where ICT connectivity availability is a real challenge.