Audit Reveals Over 600 Ghost Workers in Migori County
Migori, Kenya – A recent audit conducted by the Institute of Professional Human Resource Management has revealed that Migori County employs 607 ghost workers, raising serious concerns over payroll management and financial losses. The consultancy, commissioned by Governor Dr. Ochillo Ayacko, also audited casual workers, uncovering that while the county officially employed 427 casuals, the payroll showed 1,034, highlighting the ghost workforce.
The payroll audit exposed significant discrepancies, with a disparity of Sh120 million in one month and exceeding Sh200 million in another. Governor Ayacko noted that the county was losing over Sh60 million annually to non-existent employees who occupy no physical office space. Some ghost workers were even positioned in crucial revenue collection roles, a situation that has caused the county to lose millions of shillings. The audit further revealed inconsistencies among casual workers’ salaries, with some receiving Sh300,000 more than others in similar roles, pointing to irregular employment practices and unadvertised positions.
Governor Ayacko emphasized that the audit is a critical first step toward improving service delivery, closing corruption loopholes, and streamlining the county workforce. The report was handed to Caleb Opondi, the new Public Service Management and Devolution executive, with instructions to strictly implement its recommendations. The findings have triggered discussions among residents and county officials on the urgent need for transparency in hiring and payroll management to ensure public funds directly benefit Migori County citizens.