CS Ruku orders probe into massive payroll fraud in public service
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed a massive payroll fraud in government, where civil servants who reached retirement age years ago are still on the payroll, drawing salaries and allowances illegally.
Addressing the annual National HRM Conference delegates in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Ruku said an audit conducted across all government agencies exposed widespread malpractice, including employees using fake academic documents to secure promotions, backdating birth certificates, and drawing double allowances.
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“We have reports that some workers are earning double allowances, while others have been exempted from paying taxes, and this is costing the government billions of shillings,” he said.
The CS had earlier ordered a nationwide purge of corrupt HR officers in the civil service.
To address the crisis, the CS said the Ministry was working with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate all the cases, warning that those found culpable would be dismissed and prosecuted.
“We have introduced an app that captures all work-related data in government agencies, and this will be instrumental in addressing the current mess,” he added.
Ruku also put counties and government agencies on notice for failing to implement the Unified Human Resources Information System (UHRIS), a digital platform designed to curb wastage and enhance accountability in the public sector.
“We have partnered with the Institute of Human Resource Management to help us address these challenges as part of efforts to improve service delivery,” he noted.
According to the Ministry of Public Service and Human Development, the audit revealed that counties were also affected, with some Human Resource managers being accused of facilitating the irregularities that have cost the government billions of shillings.
IHRM Executive Director Quresha Abdullahi called for new policies to align Kenya’s labour framework with the emerging digital economy.
“Artificial intelligence is now the new kid on the block, and we must align our labour laws with it. We are seeking the Ministry’s support in this area,” she said.
On his part, IHRM National Chairman Phillip Odera noted that the institute had been upgraded into a fully-fledged State department as part of ongoing reforms.
“We have digitised all our services, and we are calling for professionalism among all Human Resource managers and directors as we serve the country,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Public Service Secretary Peris Bosire said Kenya continues to lead in human capital development, adding that the government remains committed to comprehensive public sector reforms.
