A forensic audit at the County Government of Embu has revealed the county loses Sh15 to Sh20 million in illegal salaries and allowances.
The audit was ordered by the current government when it assumed office late last year.
While receiving the report from the Institute of Human Resource Management in Embu on Tuesday evening, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said it reveals that the human resource management department was the main culprit.
"I appreciate the work the institute has done to help the Embu County government to help in streamlining the matters of human resource," Mbarire said.
The county boss said the report showed some county officers acquired illegal salaries and illegal house and rental allowances.
"The county will ensure we charge the officers who have received this money illegally and ensure we save the county Sh15 million out of those two," she added.
Mbarire said the report identified 234 employees who have been receiving salaries of a higher job group, not the one they were hired at.
"We are going to push and ensure these people return the money of the people of Embu county," Mbarire said.
She said the county lacked an internal auditor before and this is a position she considers to ensure the county finances are in the required shape.
According to the report, the county has a total of 3,269 workers compared to 2,858 in the official county record. Most are on a casual or contract basis.
She said the county will continue to conduct thorough identification of the county employees.
"According to the headcount by the audit, we have a total of 3,269 compared to our records and we'll continue to identify them so that we take a proper record," said Mbarire.
The report has provided various recommendations that Mbarire has said she will adopt.
She vowed to promote the employment of more skilful officials and employ others in preparation for those who are about to retire.
