Nyamira county suspends all payroll staff, sacks 31 in ghost workers probe

The Nyamira County Government has sent all payroll staff on compulsory leave and sacked 31 officers as a probe continues into employment of ghost workers in the county.

Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo on Thursday said the decision was made after an audit report revealed that the county government had been losing Ksh.1.168 million monthly through fraudulent employment.

“In March 2018, Governor John Nyagarama launched a Human Skills Audit and Payroll Cleansing for employees of the County Government of Nyamira. According to the preliminary report, the county government has been losing Ksh.1.168 million monthly,” said the deputy governor.

The funds are said to have been fraudulently paid to 24 officers plus one idnividual who is not an employee of the county.

“As a result of the above, the County Executive Committee has resolved to suspend the 24 officers and also decided to send the entire payroll staff to 15 days paid administrative leave effective immediately. This will allow for further investigations to be conducted,”added Mr. Nyaribo.

According to the county government, the county has also received a report from the National Examinations Council (KNEC) indicating that a total of 31 officers used forged certificates to acquire employment.

“This action was taken after the county government submitted 535 academic certificates and result slips to KNEC for verification and authentication. Subsequently, the Cabinet has resolved to terminate their employment with immediate effect,” added the DG.

The county government has since forwarded the details of the said individuals to the Directorate of criminal investigations for further investigations.