NAIROBI, Kenya – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered 84 human resource officers from the Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Police Service and two departments in the Ministry of Health to step aside for 30 working days as investigators probe suspected payroll fraud estimated at Sh6.2 billion.
Ruku announced the measures during a press briefing at Harambee House on Friday, saying the officers had been implicated in suspected irregularities identified in a government payroll audit and a subsequent Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) report dated October 7, 2026.
The affected officers have already had their access to the government payroll system withdrawn as the government moves to prevent further suspected manipulation and safeguard public funds while investigations continue.
“These findings demand immediate action,” Ruku said, directing the relevant officials to withdraw payroll system privileges and ensure the 84 officers step aside for the 30-working-day period.
Replacement Officers To Take Over Payroll Duties
Ruku directed principal secretaries and accounting officers in the affected state departments to ensure the officers proceed on leave and that all administrative measures are taken in accordance with the law.
The CS said the government would deploy replacement human resource managers to the affected departments and grant them the necessary access to the payroll system to ensure salaries continue to be processed without disruption.
He added that any disciplinary action against the officers would be guided by the available evidence and relevant legal provisions.
The temporary removal is intended to allow investigations to proceed while protecting the integrity of the public payroll system.
Arrests Could Follow Before Deadline
Ruku indicated that arrests could be made before the 30-working-day period expires as investigators pursue the suspected fraud.
He singled out officials within the Kenya Prisons Service as among those who could face arrest as the probe progresses, although no specific arrests were confirmed in the briefing.
The investigations follow a Cabinet directive to the DCI to investigate alleged manipulation of the public service payroll after an audit by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes raised concerns over potential losses estimated at Sh6.2 billion.
Government Vows Action Against Those Found Responsible
The government has vowed to pursue legal action against any officials found culpable, with Ruku previously saying the administration was committed to protecting public resources and strengthening accountability across the public service.
The investigation is expected to establish the nature and extent of the suspected payroll irregularities, identify those responsible and determine whether public funds were unlawfully paid out or manipulated.
The 84 officers have been directed to step aside as inquiries continue. The allegations remain under investigation, and any criminal liability will have to be established through the legal process.
