DECLARATIONI SAMSON OPONDO OTIENO hereby declare that this internship report is a true copy of my work and achieved through the industrial internship which I carried out and has never been presented anywhere for my academic award.

Signature …………………………..

Supervisor

Name …………………………………………….

Signature …………………………………………….

Date …………………………………………….

DEDICATIONI would like to dedicate this report to my family, friends, NMCP office colleagues and my supervisors in the NMCP Accounting unit and to all my mentors and partners in my education for their tireless efforts to support me during my academic study period.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI would like to thank the Almighty God for the strength, good health, zeal and patience through the internship period.

I would like to express my gratitude to the accounting unit members of The NMCP office namely, Mwaniki Njuguna, Pauline Githinji, Bernard Were and more so my supervisor Bernadette Wanjema for her guidance, support, motherly nature while teaching me and her patience and support throughout my internship period.

I would also like to thank my family, relatives and friends who helped, encouraged and supported me during the whole period of my internship.

Table of ContentsCHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Objective of the internship 1

1.2 Ministry of Health: Historical Background 2

1.3 Mandate………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

1.4 Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

1.5 Mission………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

CHAPTER TWO: NATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAM 5

2.1 Background information 5

2.2 Vision 5

2.3 Mission…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

2.4 Core values……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

2.5 NMCP Sections……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

2.6 NMCP Mandate………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

2.7 Tasks undertaken while at the program………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

CHAPTER THREE: DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERNSHIP…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8

3.1 Description of Section…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

3.2 Familiarization phase……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

3.3 Task Description……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

3.4 Description of working day……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

3.5 Mentoring situation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

3.6 Impact of the internship…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

4.1 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTIONInternship is one of the requirements needed for accomplishment of academic cycle of any course as it prepares the student to gain training in readiness for the career opportunities in the job market in their respective areas of specialization.

It is always very important for students to undertake an industrial attachment to be able to affirm themselves with the knowledge and skills in readiness of the future responsibilities and challenge. Therefore, it assists in acquiring and developing practical skills and expertise useful in career building aside from the theoretical knowledge gained in class.

I started my internship at Ministry of Health, Directorate of Preventive and Promotive Health(DPPH), Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (DDPC), National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) located at Kenyatta Hospital Grounds from 15th June, 2015 to 15th September, 2015.

1.1 Objective of the Internship The student is provided with the opportunity to test their interest in a particular career before permanent commitments are made. The student is able to develop skills in the application of theory to practical work situations. The student helps to develop an in-depth knowledge of the formal functional activities of a participating program. The gaining and utilizing of technical background in accounting, accountability and leadership. To impact a sense of responsibility in oneself. The student has the opportunity to understand informal divisional interrelationships. To equip oneself in accounting that will utilize extensive analytical skills, diligence, attention to deal and problem solving abilities. To have an opportunity to test the interest in accounts, challenges and possible remedies before permanent commitments are made. To provide suitable background of experience for more advanced study by making individuals aware of their abilities areas of special interests and

future specialization.

11.2 Ministry of Health: Historical Background

The ministry of health was formed when Kenya got independence in 1963. It derives its mandate from the constitution of Kenya. The ministry was tasked with the responsibility to improve public health, hospital services, primary health services, dental services and support services. Every citizen has the right to protection to health and to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Kenya operates with an official health care system that is regulated by the government Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH is responsible for provision of health care to all Kenyans through 150 government hospitals, 460 health centers and 1600 dispensaries. Additionally, non-governmental and private healthcare organizations have allowed the expansion of the services since independence. Healthcare in Kenya is based on a fee for services model with government hospitals exists throughout the country, access is variable from the region to region depending on what organizations have been established.

Kenya ranks 148 out of 177 countries on Human Development Index (HDI) as reported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) 2007/2008. The HDI provides a composite measure of three dimensions of human development: living a long and healthy life (measured by life expectancy), being educated (measured by adult literacy and enrollment at the primary, secondary and tertiary level) and having a decent standard of living (measured by purchasing power parity, PPP, income). The average life expectancy at birth was estimated at 52 years in 2005, with one third of the population reportedly undernourished.

In 2008, the ministry of health was split into two new ministries: Ministry of medical services and the ministry of public health of sanitation; Partner coordination within the sector is facilitated by the health sector coordination committee, guided by code of conduct signed in 2007. 1.3 MandateThe mandate of Ministry of Health is to support the attainment of health of the people of Kenya by implementing priority interventions in public health, guided by the strategies framework provided from the medium- Term plan 2008-2012 and the wider health sector.

1.4 VisionThe vision of the ministry of health is to make Kenya, “A nation free from preventable diseases and ill health”, through primary health care interventions at individual, household, community and primary health facility levels.

21.5 Mission

The mission of the ministry is “To provide effective leadership and provision of quality public health and sanitation services that are: equitable, responsible, accessible and accountable to Kenyans.”

Priority will be given to scaling up the implementation of interventions aimed at enhancing the equitability of access to public health and sanitation services. Such measures will include:

a) Improving immunization coverage for children.b) Ensuring that most deliveries are conducted under the care of skilled health worker.c) Reducing morbidity and mortality from malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and non-communicable disease.

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Position and Structure of the National Malaria Control Programme

CHAPTER TWO: NATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAM (NMCP)

This is the program where I was based in throughout my internship period; it is here that I was assigned different jobs to perform in the Accounting section.

2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), earlier known as the Division of Malaria Control (DOMC) was created by the Government of Kenya in 1994. The NMCP is now directly under the Division of Communicable Disease Prevention & Control, Department of Preventive and Promotive Health of the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The program, currently headed by Dr. Erjesa Waqo is charged with the responsibility of providing policy and strategic guidance as well as co-ordination and scaling up of an effective malaria control program. This scale up is currently based on the Revised Kenya Malaria Strategy 2009-2018 objectives and its component strategic approaches.

2.2 Vision

A concerted effort towards a malaria-free Kenya

2.3 Mission

To direct and coordinate efforts towards a malaria-free Kenya through effective partnerships.

2.4 Core values

Effectiveness Efficiency Courtesy Transparency Technical excellence

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2.5 NMCP Sections

NMCP has 6 sections namely:

1. Vector Control Unit2. Case Management Unit3. Epidemic Preparedness and Response Unit4. Advocacy Communication and Socio-mobilisation Unit5. Surveillance Monitoring Evaluation and Operational Research (SMEOR Unit)6. Program Management Unit

These units are charged with the responsibility of implementing the various strategic objectives outlined in the Kenya Malaria Strategy

2.6 NMCP Mandate

Mandate

To formulate policies set standards and coordinate implementation of activities, identify and mobilize resources, ensure uninterrupted supply of commodities, supervise, monitor and evaluate implementation of control activities.

2.7 Tasks undertaken while at the Program Filling and balancing the cashbook Proper filing of documents Preparation of all kinds of payment vouchers Payroll preparation and paying all statutory deductions of employees Mass net distribution in Lamu County. Filling Local Purchase Orders and Local Service Orders and their account numbers. Writing of imprests warrants Cheque writing Data analysis Running office errands

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Other skills gainedThe activities that are related to accounting are wide and most of these skills and most of these concern office etiquette and general relationship with other people. They include:

Honesty- This involves reporting of problem encountered during assignments without hesitation.Punctuality- This involves keeping time and report and leaving the office at the required time.Communication skills- This is when directly communicating to officers and my colleagues as well as following protocol and the chain of command.Loyalty- This is important to keep work and any information related to the Programme confidential and not to share with outsiders.Team work- The various field work exercises I participated in were of importance due to team work towards achieving of set goals instilled upon me.Responsibility- The absence of officer in the office due to field work helped me respond to various activities and also there were problems which I would consult to make sure I gain experience.

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CHAPTER THREE: DESCRIPTION OF INTERNSHIPThe Accounting section is under the program management unit which consists of planning, procurement, finance and administration in the Program’s structure. The National Malaria Control Program main role in our section is to provide accounting, finance and planning services to its clients, i.e the employees of the ministry deployed at the Program.

The section offers the following services:a) Filling and balancing the cashbook b) Proper filing of office documentsc) Preparation of all kinds of payment vouchersd) Payroll preparation and paying all statutory deductions of the contractual employees.e) Filling Local Purchase Orders and Local Service Orders and their account numbers.f) Writing of imprests warrantsg) Cheque writing.h) Custodians of all matters finance related in the office

3.1 Description of section

The accounting section compromises of members of staff who include the senior accountant, who is the head of the unit two other accountants and an internal auditor.

3.2 Familiarization phase

As an intern I met with the HR personnel who gave me the letter to go to the Program. I was sent to the secretary of the head of the head of the Program who introduced me to the senior accountant, Mr. Mwaniki Njuguna, who explained to me about the various roles of the accounting section and introduced me to the other accounting section staff members who guided me, assisted and mentored me during my stay at the program.

3.3 Task Description

The major activities I carried out during the internship period entailed accounting and finance support. This involved paying all clients of the office who supplied us with goods and services, filling and balancing of the cashbook, filing of office documents.

3.4 Description of working day

The working day would start at 8.00 am and end at 5.00 pm. The tasks carried out were routine. The clients would come to me for the regular accounting jobs which I could help them and sort them for them.

I would also prepare imprests warrants for external activities of the office.

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3.5 Mentoring situation

My supervisor acted as my mentor during my internship and gave me advice on how to handle tasks, showed me what was expected of me as a team player within the section as well as within the Program as a whole but also on general accounting matters within and outside the office.

3.6 Impact of the internship

The internship opportunity given had a lot of impact as regards in my life and my career. It opened opportunities that I could explore as well as bringing to light some attributes in working environment. The internship opportunity has enriched me with technical skills in addition to the one I already had. It also gave me ideas of the area of study that I would further in my future studies.

The Program’s social and welfare culture helped me to correlate with the officers and other employees during my stay in the program.

The employees were friendly and this made my familiarization phase easier for me and many of them were my seniors in terms of age, experience as well and I could look up to them for advice.

I gained a lot of skills and qualification during my internship. This included how to work with most of the Program’s systems like dashboards which are used to show how the LLIN and the drugs are being distributed and consumed in the counties health centers and hospitals. Whereas there is the Gap analysis and the FAS are used to show how the funds are supposed to be spread out on the different activities in the Program.

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CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUTIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS

From my experience during m internship, what stood out for me was the fact that accounting is so dynamic and involving and it made me desire to do a masters in MBA Finance and strategic management and also project management.

I am really grateful for the opportunity given to me; I will not keep the knowledge acquired from this internship all to myself as the only way to grow knowledge is to share it with others.

4.1 Recommendations

My recommendations to the program include:

Train all staff on basic Accounting issues. This will help the employees to be dependent on themselves when accounting for all imprests issued while still in the field to avoid differences between the surrenders brought to the office and the imprests amount issued.

Make the Program’s accounting policy known to all employees To shuffle the interns through the different programs in the department and other fields of study that relate to their studies to enhance wide

openness in terms of skills. The Program should embrace accounting packages in accounting such as sage, pastel, quick books and the famous IFMIS among government

offices. The Program should bring more interns to the accounting section since there has never been. Employees to learn to surrender their imprests on time in order for the accounting team to record them early enough with all the required

information related to the imprests issued.

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