[Kenya] Government’s new payroll app will crack down on ghost workers

Kenya’s Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed the government’s plans to introduce a new mobile-based payroll system for civil servants, Capital News reports.

The move is part of a renewed effort to eliminate ghost workers and enhance accountability in the public service.

During a radio interview on July 28, Mr Ruku said the government is in the final stages of rolling out a mobile app that will be mandatory for all public servants. 

The app is reportedly designed to complement the existing payroll system by monitoring employee attendance and reinforcing transparency.

“All workers are now being paid through a new digital system, which confirms not just employment but actual presence in-office,” the minister said.

“Previously, there were many ghost workers; people listed on the payroll who never reported to work.”

The Cabinet Secretary said the new application will track when an employee arrives at their workstation, when they leave, and any absence logged during working hours.

The Ministry of Public Service is reportedly working with a local telecommunications provider to develop the app, which will be installed on every civil servant’s smartphone.

“We are making improvements to the current system. This new app will help us monitor daily attendance and determine whether public officers are fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said.

Mr Ruku stated that the term “ghost worker” covers more than just individuals drawing salaries without reporting for duty.

“A ghost worker is not just someone who fails to report to the office. In my view, it includes any public servant who reports late, disappears during the day, or uses government time for personal business,” he said.

These recent measures build on the government’s efforts to streamline public service management via technology.

In April 2024, the government launched the Kenya Human Resource Information System (KHRIS), a web-based platform developed with support from the World Bank to centralise HR functions and payroll administration.

Source: Capital News

(Quotes via original reporting)

Kenya’s Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed the government’s plans to introduce a new mobile-based payroll system for civil servants, Capital News reports.

The move is part of a renewed effort to eliminate ghost workers and enhance accountability in the public service.

During a radio interview on July 28, Mr Ruku said the government is in the final stages of rolling out a mobile app that will be mandatory for all public servants. 

The app is reportedly designed to complement the existing payroll system by monitoring employee attendance and reinforcing transparency.

“All workers are now being paid through a new digital system, which confirms not just employment but actual presence in-office,” the minister said.

“Previously, there were many ghost workers; people listed on the payroll who never reported to work.”

The Cabinet Secretary said the new application will track when an employee arrives at their workstation, when they leave, and any absence logged during working hours.

The Ministry of Public Service is reportedly working with a local telecommunications provider to develop the app, which will be installed on every civil servant’s smartphone.

“We are making improvements to the current system. This new app will help us monitor daily attendance and determine whether public officers are fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said.

Mr Ruku stated that the term “ghost worker” covers more than just individuals drawing salaries without reporting for duty.

“A ghost worker is not just someone who fails to report to the office. In my view, it includes any public servant who reports late, disappears during the day, or uses government time for personal business,” he said.

These recent measures build on the government’s efforts to streamline public service management via technology.

In April 2024, the government launched the Kenya Human Resource Information System (KHRIS), a web-based platform developed with support from the World Bank to centralise HR functions and payroll administration.

Source: Capital News

(Quotes via original reporting)