Written by Joyce Nzomo
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced that the government is set to introduce a mobile application aimed at streamlining salary payments and curbing the issue of ghost workers in the civil service.
Speaking on Radio Citizen on Monday, July 28, Ruku explained that although a new payroll system is already in place, the forthcoming mobile app will enhance its efficiency.
The Ministry is currently collaborating with a local telecom company to develop the app, which all government employees will be required to install on their mobile phones.
According to the CS, the app will not only facilitate salary payments but also monitor employees’ daily attendance at their workplaces.
“So far, all government workers are paid through the new system, which confirms employment status and office presence. Previously, some individuals were on the payroll but never showed up for work,” Ruku stated.
He emphasized that the new app will help track whether employees are reporting to work as expected, adding that the definition of a ghost worker includes not just absentee employees, but also those who frequently arrive late or leave work to attend to personal matters.
Ruku also reaffirmed his commitment to making surprise visits to government offices to ensure staff compliance with work schedules and responsibilities.
This announcement follows his earlier statement on July 15, where he revealed plans to introduce physical attendance registers in all government institutions.
He further noted that supervisors across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will be tasked with monitoring staff attendance and evaluating employee satisfaction as part of broader civil service reforms.
“Supervisors will play a key role in enforcing attendance and ensuring every worker has well-defined responsibilities,” he added.
