Nationwide Crackdown on Corrupt HR Officers Launched in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 13, 2025 - The Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes has initiated a nationwide crackdown targeting human resource officers implicated in manipulating government payroll systems and promotion processes. The operation, set to commence this week, follows an internal audit that revealed extensive malpractice, collusion, and systemic abuse within the public service.
The audit uncovered several irregularities, including HR officers altering dates of birth in official databases to unlawfully extend the service of public servants beyond the mandatory retirement age. Additionally, cases of illegal tax exemptions were identified, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government. The report also highlighted instances where job groups were manipulated, enabling staff to be placed in higher salary grades or receive rapid promotions without adhering to due process. These actions have inflated the public wage bill and eroded morale among compliant employees.
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, speaking in Embu over the weekend, announced that officers found guilty will face immediate dismissal and prosecution. The ministry is collaborating with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other agencies to pursue cases at both national and county levels. Ruku emphasized that the crackdown will focus on four key areas: payroll fraud, ghost workers, irregular promotions, and illegal allowances. He also revealed plans to overhaul payroll controls to eliminate loopholes that have been exploited to favor a select few at the expense of deserving civil servants and taxpayers.
To strengthen oversight, parliamentary watchdogs and the EACC will support the operation through inspections and enforcement measures. HR units across the country will be required to maintain detailed operational records, implement conflict-of-interest policies, and cooperate with forensic reviews of staff files, pension records, and promotion histories.
Ruku framed the initiative as a critical component of President William Ruto's broader anti-corruption agenda, underscoring the government's commitment to restoring integrity in public service. He urged public officers to adhere to professional standards and constitutional principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability, warning that those involved in malpractices will face severe consequences, including job loss and legal action.
The multi-agency operation is expected to yield arrests, suspensions, and administrative actions in the coming weeks as investigations intensify. Further updates will be provided as the crackdown progresses, with the ministry vowing to clean up the system and restore dignity to public service.