Ruku reveals govt’s plan to launch app-based payroll for civil servants
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 28, 2025The government has announced plans to launch a new mobile application to manage the payroll of all civil servants in Kenya. The initiative, aimed at eliminating ghost workers, was revealed by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during a radio interview on Monday, July 28, 2025.
According to Ruku, the app will be developed in partnership with a local telecommunications company. All civil servants will be required to download and use the app on their phones. The platform will not only process salary payments but also track employee attendance.
“So far, all civil servants are being paid through a new system which confirms their identity and office presence. Previously, many individuals received salaries without showing up for work,” the CS explained.
He added that the government is now planning to strengthen this system further. The new app will help ensure that only those who report to work on time and perform their duties get paid.
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Crackdown on ghost workers
Ruku stressed that the issue of ghost workers has deeply affected service delivery across both national and county government offices. He defined ghost workers not only as those who never show up for work but also as employees who arrive late or leave early to attend to personal matters.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that he will continue making surprise visits to government offices to monitor attendance and ensure discipline among staff.
To complement the app, Ruku announced that attendance registers will soon be introduced in all public offices. These registers will help monitor presence and ensure accountability.
“We are working on ensuring every civil servant has a clear schedule and that supervisors regularly monitor performance and satisfaction in all ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
This move is part of broader civil service reforms meant to enhance productivity, efficiency, and accountability in the public sector. The new digital approach is expected to reduce wage bill wastage and improve public service delivery.
The reforms come after the Cabinet Secretary’s earlier statement on July 15, where he also highlighted the need for supervisors to play an active role in ensuring employee discipline and satisfaction.