Gov’t Cracks Down on Corrupt HR Officers Over Payroll, Promotion Fraud
The audit report showed that some HR officers have been altering the official birth records of civil servants so that they can extend
The CS also informed that the payroll fraud, ghost employment records, and such other malpractices are already under scrutiny. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
The Ministry of Public Service has initiated an enormous crackdown on corrupt human resource officers who have been accused of manipulating the government payroll system, tax, and promotion fraud. The exercise, which commences this week, seeks to restore integrity and accountability in the public service.
Cesar Ministry of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku gave a stern warning to government workers engaging in corrupt deals, warning that those found culpable would be dismissed from service immediately and prosecuted. Ruku made the announcement while addressing a crowd in Embu County during the weekend, where he revealed that an in-depth audit of the human resource management systems of the public service indicated well-entrenched corruption, collusion, and systemic exploitation for the purpose of embezzling public funds.
The audit report showed that some HR officers have been altering the official birth records of civil servants so that they can extend their stay in service beyond the mandatory retirement age. The CS testified that such actions not only violate the law but also undermine fairness and effectiveness in the public service.
“It is unconscionable that those entrusted with the role of managing human resources are occupied with manipulating systems for personal or group enrichment. Such a culture of impunity must end,” Ruku insisted.
He further revealed that the audit exposed instances where HR officers facilitated illegal tax exemptions to select individuals at the cost of the government losing millions in forgone revenue. The CS promised that such malpractice would be punished severely through disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
“We have discovered worrying patterns of tax evasion and falsified documentation aimed at keeping unqualified individuals in the system. The people involved will be held accountable and prosecuted without exception,” warned Ruku.
The report also highlighted rampant irregularities in promotions and salary increases for jobs. It was found that some of the officers had unlawfully promoted others to higher job groups or pay grades without following due process. Ruku noted that these manipulations have inflated the government’s wage bill and demoralized worthy civil servants who rely on merit-based progression.
To contain the runaway vice, Ruku explained that his ministry will collaborate with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other investigative agencies to pursue and penalize corrupt government officials both at the national and county governments.
“We are going to clean up the public service and ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent accountably. The days of ghost workers, fictitious promotions, and corrupt allowances are numbered,” he stated.
The CS also informed that the payroll fraud, ghost employment records, and such other malpractices are already under scrutiny, foreboding a major shake-up in the human resource management sector of the nation.
About Author
