Annual Internal Audit Conference 2019 | ICPAK | 14 August 2019 | Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Off Malindi Road, Mombasa County, Mombasa, Kenya

Internal Audit plays a very strategic role in the management of organizations, both public and private. This is achieved through evaluation of internal controls and proper mechanisms of risk management among other tasks. However, internal audit is not the first line of defense against exposures to risks; organizations must develop effective policies and need to have a pragmatic management to oversee its affairs.

While the Internal Audit is expected to be independent, this is not guaranteed since a good part of their activities rely on management support, therefore its effectiveness is affected by the tone at the top. Internal Auditors have to develop synergy with the board and other key players such as the External Auditors in order to properly execute their mandate. Internal auditors also have to adhere to a code of ethics in their work in addition to application of ICT for them to be effective.