President William Ruto has called for the resignation of government employees who were recently exposed in the recent public service workforce audit.
Speaking during the 3rd National Wage Bill Conference 2024 at the Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday, April 17, Ruto highlighted that there were 2,000 government employees with fake certificates.
He noted that the government could no longer allow unqualified Kenyans to hold positions in government.
Ruto also opined that those listed in the report need to refund the government their salaries. He likened their actions to acquiring money through false pretence.
"Those who have earned money by using fake certificates should refund us that money. Those in government should leave and go and look for money to pay us.
"We must do what we need to do. I am ready to face the consequences. I am already called Zakayo," he stated.
According to a recent report by the Public Service Commission (PSC), over 1,000 employees in notable ministries and government institutions have forged their certificates.
It was noted that the employees were either changing their grades or forging authentic academic certificates issued by other government institutions.
PCS noted that the fake certificates were either used to secure jobs or get promotions.
On the other hand, he expressed that his administration would still take other measures to reduce the wage bill which currently gobbles up over 40 per cent of revenues generated.
Key among his strategies is the creation of alternative job opportunities outside the public service which currently has 1 million employees.
Ruto also detailed that his administration would leverage technology to increase revenue collected.
Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria also announced that an audit would be done in government to weed out the cases of ghost workers.
Registration of all government workers will be done during the registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) set to begin in the coming days.
