Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has today condemned widespread payroll manipulation by human resource directors in national and county governments, warning that those found guilty of granting double salaries, tax exemptions, and false arrears will face prosecution.
He pledged to work with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to restore integrity in the public payroll system.
Speaking ahead of a new directive to be implemented from tomorrow, Ruku described the extent of payroll fraud as “deeply troubling” and a direct betrayal of the public trust.
He said the government had identified a pattern of abuse in which HR officers unlawfully alter job groups, approve double salaries, and process unauthorized arrears and tax exemptions.
The Cabinet Secretary expressed dismay that senior HR officials, entrusted with maintaining the integrity of the civil service payroll, had instead become architects of financial misconduct.
He cited cases where individuals were moved through multiple job groups within a single year, drawing higher pay without proper authorization.
“Some officers have been receiving two salaries under different accounts, while others have granted themselves backdated arrears that were never approved,” Ruku said.
“There are even cases of tax exemptions being awarded to people who do not qualify,” he lamented.
He stressed that these practices not only drain public resources but also demoralise honest civil servants. “We cannot build a credible public service when some of those managing it are stealing from within,” he said.
To address the crisis, Ruku announced a series of immediate interventions, including collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate and prosecute those involved.
“We are working closely with the EACC to ensure every shilling lost through payroll manipulation is traced, and every officer responsible is held accountable,” he said.
He also ordered the review and strengthening of payroll management systems to block further tampering, promising that the reforms would tighten oversight and enforce compliance with government procedures.
The Cabinet Secretary called on HR directors to act with honesty and professionalism, warning that the government will no longer tolerate the misuse of administrative power for personal gain.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” he said. “It is about restoring integrity in our systems and ensuring that those who work hard are rewarded fairly, not cheated by corruption.”
He urged public institutions to take internal accountability seriously, reminding leaders at all levels that managing salaries and staff records is a matter of national responsibility.
“Every officer has a duty to safeguard the reputation of public service. This culture of impunity must end,” he said.
The directive marks the latest in a series of steps aimed at tightening public sector governance. Ruku emphasised that the government’s intention is not merely punitive but corrective, focusing on sustainable reform of payroll structures.
As he outlined the new measures, Ruku assured Kenyans that the Ministry of Public Service remains committed to protecting public funds, paying legitimate workers on time, and maintaining the trust of citizens.
“Public money must serve the public, not the corrupt few,” he said firmly.