Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia has ordered county workers who have been drawing more than one salary to refund the money within 30 days.
Governor Kimemia has additionally frozen all county expenditures until an audit of the previous regime's financial accounts is completed.
Addressing his cabinet on Wednesday, the Governor defended his move stating that the planned payroll audit will expose the culprits earning double salaries as well as identify ghost workers.
"The excess salary is part of public assets I intend to recover in 30 days. The same will happen with all ghost workers.
"There are many who cannot say what they have done for Nyandarua in the last five years they have been on the payroll," Mr Kimemia explained.
He further warned those guilty of misusing the county's fixed and non-fixed assets that stern action, including a jail sentence, will be taken against them.
"It is not in my nature to witch-hunt, it's not my wish to take anyone to jail, but you must surrender back what does not belong to you. I give you a 90-day amnesty," Kimemia threatened.
He urged the officials to join him in creating a culture of respecting public resources, honesty and professionalism among the county staff.
"The first change I want to see in this county is the change of mindset and attitude among all public servants so that we have integrity.
"My administration is going to be efficient. We must offer services not as a privilege but as a right to the people we are required to serve...We cannot have an unsustainable wage bill at the expense of development projects," Kimemia stated.
