Registry splurges on chefs' cars

Published: 2 hours ago

Workers at the Department of Civil Registry have expressed anger after learning that the Registrar-General reportedly sought Treasury approval to divert funds originally allocated for their allowances to cover procurement of vehicles and other operational expenses.

The dispute centers on payments owed to staff who participated in the national mobile registration blitz conducted between March and April 2023 ahead of the general elections. Government had pledged to pay each worker US$120 per day, amounting to US$3,600 for the three-month exercise. However, employees claim that they have only received partial payments and that arrears remain unsettled.

A February 28, 2024 letter from the Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion ministry, addressed to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage secretary Raphael Faranisi, acknowledged the outstanding allowances. Treasury had indicated that disbursements would occur in batches between March and May 2024 due to financial constraints, but employees maintain that the payments have still not been fully honoured.

Some staff reported that funds were briefly deposited into their bank accounts in June 2025 but were later reversed, allegedly on the grounds that the transaction was a mistake.

The controversy escalated after a letter dated June 12, 2025, from Registrar-General Henry Machiri, requested Treasury approval to use US$1.1 million initially earmarked for mobile registration allowances to settle other urgent commitments. The letter cited obligations including ICAO fees, Impala services, and procurement of motor vehicle plates for directors.

Machiri, however, denied the allegations of fund diversion. "Did I sign that letter with a pen? I assure you, no funds were diverted. Our funds for salaries are not used for anything. You can check with the chief accountant. No workers' funds were used for something else. Funds are released by Treasury, and if Treasury releases funds, they will get their dues," he said.

Home Affairs Secretary Raphael Faranisi was unavailable for comment, citing prior engagements.

The row highlights growing frustration among Civil Registry employees, who continue to await the full payment of allowances for services rendered during a critical national registration exercise.
- newsday

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