The Kenyan government has ordered a criminal investigation into a suspected KSh6.2 billion payroll fraud, after an internal audit revealed deep flaws in the management of public sector salaries.
The directive, issued by the Cabinet, tasks the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with examining what officials describe as widespread manipulation of the government payroll. The inquiry follows a detailed review conducted by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
At the centre of the findings are so-called “ghost workers”, individuals listed on the payroll but who do not exist or cannot be accounted for. The audit also flagged multiple salary payments to single employees, unexplained pay rises, irregular promotions and unauthorized changes to staff records.
Officials say the scale of the irregularities points to a coordinated effort that may have inflated the government’s wage bill over time.
Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, said the government would pursue those responsible. “Any officer found culpable will face disciplinary and criminal action,” he said, adding that the ministry is working closely with investigative agencies to recover lost funds.
The Cabinet directive makes clear that both current and former public servants could be targeted in the investigation. Authorities say the aim is not only to identify those behind the scheme but also to restore confidence in the public payroll system.
The government has also pledged to tighten controls. Ministries have been instructed to strengthen human resource systems and close gaps that allowed the fraud to take root.
While the administration has framed the move as part of a broader push against corruption, analysts say the case will test its resolve. Payroll fraud has long been cited as one of the most persistent drains on public finances in Kenya.
At the moment, attention turns to the DCI and whether the investigation will lead to prosecutions — and, crucially, the recovery of public money.
About the Author
