Rogue HR officials to be sacked, CS Ruku warns

Speaking during an official function in Embu County, Ruku revealed that a recent audit into the public service's Human Resource systems uncovered massive irregularities and mismanagement. He expressed concern over the level of collusion between some Human Resource officers and unscrupulous individuals.

He said according to the audit report released recently, some human resource officers have been altering birth dates of public officers in government systems to unlawfully extend their service periods. Ruku termed this as not only illegal but a serious abuse of office that undermines fairness in the civil service.

The CS further noted that certain HR officers have been facilitating tax evasion by exempting specific individuals from paying their dues. He warned that this fraudulent conduct is costing the government significant revenue and will no longer be tolerated.

“We have seen worrying trends where some officials are helping individuals avoid taxes and alter official records to stay in office longer than allowed by law. Those involved will be prosecuted and dismissed,” said Ruku.

He also pointed out that the audit revealed cases of job group manipulation, where civil servants were irregularly promoted or placed in higher salary brackets without following due process. This, he said, not only inflates the wage bill but demoralizes deserving employees.

Ruku reiterated the government's commitment to rooting out such corruption, stating that those who think they are untouchable within the system will soon face justice. “The government is coming for you. If you are engaging in these irregularities, you will lose your job and be prosecuted,” he warned.

The Cabinet Secretary called on all government officials to discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service. He stressed that public resources must be protected and managed transparently for the benefit of all Kenyans.

As the head of the public service docket, Ruku affirmed his personal commitment to confronting these issues head-on. He promised to clean up the payroll system, which he claimed has been manipulated to favor select individuals unlawfully.

He further noted that the crackdown would not be limited to national government offices alone. County government HR officers involved in similar malpractice will also face similar consequences, with investigations already underway.

Ruku emphasized that the government, under President William Ruto's leadership, is keen on fighting corruption at all levels. “The president is very passionate about the war on corruption, and as the Cabinet Secretary, I am aligned with that vision,” he stated.

He called on all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity while serving Kenyans. He urged officers to be part of the solution, not the problem, in restoring credibility and efficiency in the public service.