An Investigation On The Influence Of Government Financial Management On Kenyan Public Secondary Schools A Case Of Sameta Division.

Abstract This study assessed the effect of Government Financial Regulations on financial management practices in public secondary schools in Sameta Division of Gucha District Kenya. The study investigated how principals managed the school cash inventories account receivables and account payables. The study also aimed at assessing problems principals encountered when applying these financial management practices. The principal and the bursar of each of the thirty secondary schools were interviewed. Questionnaires with open ended and closed ended questions were used to collect primary data. Secondary data were collected from the District Schools Auditors financial records and from the financial records of the sampled schools. Descriptive statistics especially the use of frequency tables percentages and means was used to analyze the data. Scaling method was used particularly the use of Likert scale to analyze the views gathered from the respondents. The findings indicated that most schools follow the recommended and acceptable financial management practices as per the Government Financial Regulations. The findings also indicated that the major problems arising from the government financial regulations include lack of monitoring and evaluation unit on financial usage long procurement procedures lack of financial management training late disbursement of funds and lack of audit personnel in secondary schools. These problems hinder good Financial Management Practices in public secondary schools.