A new report by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, has revealed a significant scandal involving manual payroll spending in Kenyan counties, amounting to Sh5.19 billion between July 2025 and March this year. This expenditure bypassed approved digital payroll systems, raising concerns about potential financial abuse.

• The scandal involves 43 devolved units that utilized manual payrolls, with some even using vouchers.
• Wajir, Mandera, Siaya, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kitui, Laikipia, Lamu, and Migori counties were identified as the biggest culprits, collectively spending hundreds of millions of shillings outside the digital HRIS.
• The primary reasons cited for manual payments include the employment of thousands of casual staff and the payment of top-up allowances to security personnel, as well as issues like intermittent connectivity and lack of documentation.