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| Nandi governor Stephen Sang (l) and his deputy Yulitta Mitei at a press conference. |
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raided Nandi county offices to investigate alleged payroll irregularities and the hiring of ghost workers. What EACC said about the theft of public funds The public watchdog noted counties used several ways to loot public funds at the expense of development, as reported by Citizen Digital. A day after raiding Nandi county, KBC reported that EACC revealed 352 similar incidents nationwide. On Friday, October 4, EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi acknowledged the scam and pointed out that most counties facing rising wage bills were caused by governors seizing control of certain departments, such as County Public Service Boards, to regulate hiring.
He pointed out that MCAs had abandoned their accountability responsibilities and were instead preoccupied with selfish activities such as looking for jobs for their friends, family, and associates, making them unable to oversee counties. Which ways do counties use to steal? The hiring of ghost workers who earn huge salaries but only exist on paper. Over-employment – involves hiring relatives and political cronies. Employment or promotion of officials using forged academic certificates. Retaining the payroll employees who exited the counties for jobs abroad or retired. Multiple employment – People holding several jobs in different counties. Recruitment of unqualified staff. Some workers earn more than their grade level by being placed in higher grades.
Why Nandi residents camped at county assembly A week ago, Nandi residents camped outside the county assembly, demanding leadership reforms and accountability from their elected MCAs and officials. Protestors accused County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) of inefficiency and called for their resignations due to poor governance and stalled operations. Governor Stephen Sang faced heavy criticism, with residents accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and employing ghost workers, including family members. MCAs were also targeted by the protesters, who claimed they were complicit in supporting corruption within the county government.
by Japhet Ruto
