EFFECT OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

Douglas Ong’ang’a Nyakundi

(B.Ed, MBA, CPA), Maseno University, Kenya

Micah Odhiambo Nyamita

(B.Ed, MBA, CPA), University of Nairobi, Kenya

Tom Matwetwe Tinega

(BA, MA), University of Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

There has been controversy as to why there is a declining business survival trend among Small and Medium scale Enterprises despite government’s commitment to availability of funds. Economic Survey 2009 statistics indicate a tremendous growth of Small and Medium scale Enterprises in Kenya over the last ten years; constituting about 96 per cent of all business enterprises in the country; yet 90% of the business start-ups do not operate beyond their third anniversary. The main objective of this study therefore was to investigate the effect of internal control systems on financial performance among Small and Medium scale Enterprises in Kisumu city, Kenya; specifically assessing the relationship between internal control systems and return on investment; and establishing the level of business knowledge of an entrepreneur in internal control systems and its effect on financial performance. The sample was selected from the study population through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches; adapting cross-sectional survey research design. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire and interview, while secondary data was obtained from financial statements of the sampled enterprises. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics. The study specifically revealed that a significant change in financial performance is linked to internal controls systems. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that internal control systems as supported by the study findings significantly influence the financial performance of Small and Medium scale Enterprises. The investigation recommends training on the significance of internal controls among proprietors of Small and Medium scale Enterprises.

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