Audit report unearths over 600 ghost workers in Migori

Audit Report Reveals Over 600 Ghost Workers on Migori County Payroll
A new human resource audit has exposed massive irregularities in Migori County’s workforce, revealing the presence of 607 ghost workers on the county payroll.
The audit, conducted by the Institute of Professional Human Resource Management, was commissioned by Governor Ochillo Ayacko shortly after assuming office. Findings show that while Migori had officially hired 427 casual workers, payroll records listed 1,034, leaving more than half unaccounted for.
Speaking after receiving the report at the County State House, Governor Ayacko said the county has been losing over Sh60 million annually in salaries paid to workers with no assigned duties or workstations. He described the revelations as a major setback to service delivery and pledged to seal corruption loopholes exposed in the audit.
The report further revealed inconsistencies in salary payments among casual workers in the same job groups, with discrepancies of up to Sh300,000. Critical departments such as revenue collection — responsible for generating millions in county income — were reportedly overrun by ghost employees, putting public funds at risk.
According to the audit, some workers were hired without budget allocations while others were absorbed into non-existent positions, leaving essential departments understaffed.
Governor Ayacko handed over the report to Caleb Opondi, the new Public Service Management and Devolution Executive, with strict instructions to implement all recommendations and restore accountability in county operations.