Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced a crackdown targeting human resource officers accused of tax evasion, corruption, and manipulation of employment records.
Speaking on Sunday, October 12, the CS revealed that the Ministry has uncovered worrying cases involving human resource officials allegedly aiding some government employees to bypass tax obligations and remain on the payroll illegally.
Ruku stated that those implicated in the scheme will be dealt with decisively, emphasizing that no one will be spared in the pursuit of justice.
"We have identified disturbing trends where certain HR officials are helping individuals evade taxes and manipulate official records to remain in service illegally. Those involved will be prosecuted and face the full force of the law," he said.
Ruku revealed that the Ministry will collaborate with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigative and ensure accountability.
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"We will be working very closely with the EACC to ensure taxpayers’ money is protected and that the public service becomes a model of merit, not a haven for corruption," he added.
The crackdown comes months after Ruku warned public servants against reporting late to work.
This is after he made an impromptu visit to the Rift Valley regional headquarters in Nakuru on Monday, June 23, and found hundreds of workers had not yet arrived at their respective offices.
The CS instructed security officers to close the gates, locking the public servants out of the headquarters.
Ruku then proceeded to visit the offices, many of which were locked, while those that were open had few staff.
In a statement following the impromptu visit, Ruku said he was angered that a number of the Rift Valley regional headquarters staff had not reported to work by 8:00 am.
"I was dismayed that many Kenyans had come to seek services, more than three-quarters of public servants had not reported to work at 8:00 AM, leaving customers (Kenyans) unattended," he stated.
Ruku said he will no longer allow public servants to report to work late and directed all human resource officers and supervisors in government offices to ensure public servants adhere to operational guidelines.
"Such kind of work attitude cannot be tolerated in the public service. We are directing all Human Resource Officers and Supervisors in all government offices to ensure all public servants adhere to the operational and management performance guidelines.
"Any public servant unwilling to comply with the Principles and Values of Public Service as established by our Constitution and auxiliary laws should leave office and focus on other things," he added.
