Influence Of Forensic Accounting Practices On Fraud Mitigation Among Public Secondary Schools At Embu County In Kenya

Abstract

The link between forensic accounting practices and fraud mitigation has remained a paradox over the years. Some studies argued for a positive relationship, others for a negative one, and others argue that there is no apparent relationship. This study determined the influence of forensic accounting practices on fraud mitigation among public secondary schools in the Embu County government in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the influence of fraud investigation on fraud mitigation among public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya, and to evaluate the influence of dispute resolution on fraud mitigation among public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya and to assess the influence of litigation support on fraud mitigation among public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya. The researcher conducted a census in the 132 Public Secondary schools in Embu to collect data. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 132 respondents. The survey collected data from one respondent per school. Consequently, the respondents were the departmental accountants from each school. The study used qualitative and quantitative data collected using questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression and through SPSS software. Some theories that supported this research include; routine theory, deterrence theory, and rational choice theory. The research used a hypothesis test at a 95 percent level of confidence to obtain inferential data, including normality and multicollinearity tests. Moreover, the independent variables were the availability of fraud investigation systems, dispute resolutions, and litigation support. The conclusions were based on the research's findings and recommendations. The study established that forensic accounting practices can help in fraud mitigation among Public Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya. The researcher concluded that there was a strong relationship between forensic accounting practices such as fraud investigation, dispute resolution and litigation support and fraud mitigation among Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. Forensic accounting practices also accounts for 63.0% of the total variance. The study recommends that institutions should put in place the above measures, forensic accounting practices so as to help prevent and curb fraud. The limitation of the study was that the data that was required was sensitive hence not easy acquiring it and the researcher did not have control over the responses given. There is need for a similar study to be conducted among Private Secondary Schools as well as Public Secondary Schools in different counties so as do a comparison of the findings and get to understand how to help in curbing fraud.