CS Ruku Orders Probe After Audit Flags Suspected KSh6.2 Billion Payroll Scam

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered investigations into suspected payroll fraud after a government audit uncovered irregular transactions worth KSh6.2 billion.

He said the findings point to possible abuse of government payroll systems by public officers, resulting in questionable salary payments and allowances.

Audit Reveals Suspicious Transactions

According to Ruku, the audit exposed several weaknesses in payroll management across government departments.

The review uncovered duplicate salaries, repeated arrears, irregular allowances and unremitted statutory deductions.

Only 12 of the 53 State Departments were audited, with suspected losses already reaching KSh6.2 billion.

DCI Asked to Pursue Suspects

The CS directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to begin working with his ministry to identify those behind the suspected fraud.

He said taxpayers deserve accountability and vowed that public money lost through illegal payments would be recovered.

The investigations follow a directive issued by President William Ruto after the audit findings were presented.

False Tax Exemption Claims Questioned

Ruku said some officers allegedly failed to remit statutory deductions after claiming they had been exempted by the Kenya Revenue Authority.

He dismissed the claims and maintained that those involved would face investigations.

The audit also identified invalid KRA PINs, shared bank accounts and multiple identification records linked to some employees.

Police Payroll Also Under Scrutiny

The CS said investigators are also examining payroll records within the National Police Service.

He claimed there is evidence suggesting some interdicted officers continued receiving salaries through suspicious payment arrangements.

The government says it will strengthen payroll controls while pursuing everyone linked to the alleged scheme.