A survey of the extent of implementation of integrated financial management information system (IFMIS) as a tool for sustainable financial management in government.

Abstract

The study sought to determine whether IFMIS had been successfully implemented in Kenya. It was prompted by the fact that despite the government's commitment to implementing IFMIS as one of the key financial reforms, the implementation seemed to be too slow hence delaying the realization of its benefits. Moreover, studies in other countries indicate that such large projects rarely succeed especially those in developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which IFMIS has been successfully implemented in Kenya and find out the factors influencing its implementation.

The study was carried out using questionnaires which were administered to forty (40) accountants in 40 Ministries. The data was analyzed using preliminary analysis procedures that included percentages and frequencies. It was through such a descriptive survey that the study established that IFMIS implementation was behind schedule. The results revealed that there was resistance in the Ministries for the use of IFMIS. This implies that for IFMIS to succeed, such resistance must be overcome. Possible reasons for resistance included lack of training and fear of the unknown. Despite the resistance, it was found out that IFMIS had succeeded though still implementation was behind schedule. Consequently the government of Kenya has immensely benefited from the advantages of a computerized accounting system which is more reliable than the former stand alone legacy systems.