The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into a suspected KSh 6.2 billion payroll fraud after receiving a special audit report highlighting widespread irregularities in government payroll systems.

The audit, conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General and the State Department for Public Service, revealed severe manipulation of payroll records, including fake employee data, invalid KRA PINs, and duplicate national IDs.Over 5,778 employees had deployment dates earlier than their recruitment dates, while some hires were recorded as being born in the future.The report also uncovered KSh 5.898 billion in irregular payments, including special salaries and arrears.Cybersecurity weaknesses, such as lack of multi-factor authentication and poor system integration, were flagged as risks.The government has vowed to recover stolen funds and reform HRIS-K, though funding constraints have delayed upgrades.Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku emphasized strict accountability, warning that no public officer found guilty will escape legal consequences.