Eugine Wabwile 
Bungoma County is investigating ghost workers unlawfully receiving salaries, amid rising concerns over salary payments for recently reinstated casual workers.
BY EVANS AHAO
Bungoma County has launched an investigation into ghost workers who have been receiving salaries unlawfully. The probe comes amid growing pressure over salary payments for casual workers who were reinstated by the county.
The probe has forced some county government officials to step aside and pave the way for investigations. In his statement, Bungoma County Secretary William Makhanu Nasong’o confirmed the possibility of ghost workers and assured the public that anyone found guilty will face the law. While addressing the media, Mr. William said his Director of Procurement is also on leave. “Ghost workers are there and we are doing investigations to know if they truly exist. We have further asked some officers to step aside, including the Director of Human Resources in my office,” William added.
The process will streamline the salary payroll to accommodate the new 463 casual workers. According to the County Secretary, some of the casual workers will receive salaries while others will receive theirs upon confirmation from the Bungoma County Assembly. The 463 casual workers had been held since 2019 when they moved to court to challenge the Bungoma County Government. Out of the total number, only 358 were present on Monday, 26th May, for confirmation of their documents at Masinde Muliro Stadium. The process was witnessed by county worker officials headed by Secretary Oscar Sifuna.
The investigation comes as county governments across the country intensify efforts to fight corruption and restore public trust in devolved governance.
