Gov't hands Ksh.6.2B payroll fraud findings to DCI for probe

The government has intensified its fight against payroll fraud after handing over the findings of a comprehensive public service payroll audit to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), paving the way for investigations into suspected cases of salary fraud and manipulation of government payroll systems.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Wednesday presented the payroll audit reports, forensic findings and supporting documents to the DCI, saying the move signals the beginning of a tougher phase in efforts to protect public resources and eliminate irregularities in government payrolls.

The handover follows a Cabinet directive issued after its June 30 meeting, which ordered that all cases emerging from the payroll audit with possible criminal implications be referred to investigative agencies for action.

"The integrity of the government payroll is central to fiscal discipline, effective governance and public confidence in Government institutions," Ruku said.

According to the CS, an independent payroll audit and a forensic review undertaken by a multi-agency team uncovered significant weaknesses in the management of the public service payroll suspected to have cost the government Ksh.6.2 billion, prompting the decision to pursue criminal investigations where wrongdoing is suspected.

Ruku warned that the government would not shield anyone found to have manipulated payroll systems or facilitated fraudulent salary payments, saying public institutions must fully cooperate with investigators.

He directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Constitutional Commissions, Independent Offices, County Governments and State Corporations to provide all information required by investigators, warning against any attempts to obstruct the probe.

While assuring honest public servants that they have nothing to fear, the Cabinet Secretary maintained that those implicated in payroll fraud would face legal consequences.

The ministry also announced a raft of reforms aimed at preventing future payroll abuse, including full optimisation of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS-Ke), integration of payroll systems with government financial management platforms, establishment of Payroll Audit Units across public institutions, continuous payroll verification and strengthened internal controls.

Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin assured Kenyans that detectives would conduct independent and professional investigations into the cases.

"We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering any wrongdoing. Anyone found culpable will be held accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the law," Amin said.

The government says the reforms are intended to strengthen accountability in public service, curb payroll fraud, reduce wastage of public funds and restore confidence in the management of government resources.