SRC nominee Thoyah Kingi vows to tackle ghost workers, strengthen payroll oversight
Thoyah Kingi said regular audits and data integration across public service systems are crucial in sealing loopholes that enable payroll fraud.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has been urged to tighten oversight of public payrolls and address the persistent challenge of ghost workers to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of public funds.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Labour, nominee Thoyah Kingi said regular audits and data integration across public service systems are crucial in sealing loopholes that enable payroll fraud.
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The vetting session, chaired by Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, focused on Kingi’s plans to support SRC in tackling ghost workers, a longstanding issue straining the national wage bill.
“How do you intend to assist the commission in finding a solution to the issue of ghost workers, knowing that the commission has a duty and an obligation over payroll?” Chonga posed.
Kingi emphasised that systematic payroll audits are key to promoting transparency. “Auditing of the payroll is critical in addressing the issue. It is key to integrate public service data with SRC in a digital platform for proper examination and verification of information to identify loopholes in the payroll systems,” he said.
He also called on Parliament to strengthen the commission’s powers through legislation. “I plead with Parliament to assist the commission in coming up with legislation that will give it enforcement powers.”
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between SRC and Parliament, stressing that the commission must act within legal frameworks.
“I believe the Commission does not act at its own discretion; it is guided by law. Whatever the Sarah Serem-led Commission did was within the law, and if I am appointed, I will be guided strictly by the same,” he said.
Outlining his priorities, he said he aims to advise the government on public officer remuneration while ensuring a sustainable balance between government revenue and the wage bill, targeting a reduction from the current 48 per cent to 35 per cent over time.
“As engineers, we analyse data, data based on evidence, to arrive at important decisions. That is exactly what the SRC does. Through job evaluations and regular labour market surveys, the Commission uses data to determine whether to increase or freeze allowances. This is where I believe I fit in. I am good at data analysis, which is a critical competency at the SRC,” he said.
Kisii Woman Rep Doris Donya raised concerns over the ongoing issue of ghost workers, prompting Kingi to stress the need for close coordination with the Public Service Commission.
“Integration of human resource data with SRC systems is vital,” he said, adding that such measures will help identify and eliminate fraudulent entries in the payroll.
During the vetting, questions over his political ambitions were also raised. Chonga asked about rumours linking him to the upcoming Magarini by-election. But Kingi clarified that he is not contesting.
“Those who are on the ballot have already submitted their nomination papers. In fact, I do not belong to any political party. As of now, I will not be on the ballot,” he said.
Further probing from Muhoroni MP James Oyoo on his political affiliations elicited a response from Kingi, who said he had formally withdrawn from politics and followed proper procedures with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to remove his name from party registers.
During the vetting, questions over his political ambitions were also raised. Chonga asked about rumours linking him to the upcoming Magarini by-election.
But Kingi clarified that he is not contesting.
“Those who are on the ballot have already submitted their nomination papers. In fact, I do not belong to any political party. As of now, I will not be on the ballot,” he said.
Further probing from Muhoroni MP James Oyoo on his political affiliations elicited a response from Kingi, who said he had formally withdrawn from politics and followed proper procedures with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to remove his name from party registers.
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