Human Resource (HR) professionals have been called upon to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and embed themselves at the core of governance and institutional reforms to support national development.
This call was made by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, during the closing ceremony of the 11th Annual National HR Professionals Congress held in Mombasa. Koskei emphasized the critical role HR leaders play in shaping organizational culture, improving accountability, and enhancing service delivery, particularly within the public sector.
“Effective human capital governance is fundamental to enhancing accountability, transparency, and service delivery in the public service. This, in turn, drives sustainable national development,” said Koskei.
He urged HR professionals to champion ethical conduct, fairness, and integrity in their workplaces, describing them as custodians of institutional integrity and agents of change.
Echoing his sentiments, Public Service Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Imbunya pledged her continued support for HR practitioners as they execute their roles in transforming workplaces. “It’s Aluta Continua,” she remarked, encouraging the professionals to find inspiration in legendary singer Miriam Makeba’s rendition of the phrase. “Listen to it in your quiet moments; it will give you the strength and oomph to carry on.”
Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha also weighed in, emphasizing the need for HR professionals to adapt to a rapidly evolving workplace landscape. He highlighted key shifts including changes in labor laws, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the increasing trend of remote work.
“These changes demand agility, continuous learning, and innovation from HR professionals if they are to remain relevant and effective,” Gathecha noted.
The congress, which attracted over 950 HR professionals from across the public and private sectors, served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and strategic dialogue on the future of work, leadership, and human capital development.
As the profession continues to evolve, the emphasis on values-driven leadership and governance reform is expected to redefine HR’s role in Kenya’s national transformation agenda.
