Industry regulator IHRM launches 4-year plan to transform a profession seen to be key to Vision 2030
Kenya’s human resources profession must be overhauled for the country to achieve its long-term economic development goals under Vision 2030. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki says to become a middle income economy, the country needs a high calibre of HR professionals to stimulate innovation and creativity in both public and private sectors.
Speaking during the launch of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) Strategic Plan 2016-2020 at a Nairobi Hotel, the CS called on HR professionals across the country to acquire IHRM certification as provided for in the Human Resources Management Professionals Act 2012 to effectively deliver the transformation needed for Kenya to become a middle-income industrialised economy.
Vision 2030 envisions an efficient, motivated and well trained public service that is more citizen-focused and results-oriented. “We are well aware that the wellbeing of Kenya’s socio-economic status partly depends on how professionally our workforce is managed and how we create conducive conditions for the private sector to develop and thrive,” said Mrs Kariuki, who is also in charge of youth and gender affairs.
All HR professionals, including consultants, are required to have IHRM practising certificates by December 31st or risk being barred from practicing.
Mrs Kariuki said, as a regulator, IHRM should help end the “legacy of non-performance” which threatens delivery of services in Government, adding that the quality of HR is critical to development at all levels.
She said the strategic plan would help in developing a professional public workforce.
The strategic plan hinges on five key pillars that include enhanced membership services, building sustainable institutional capacity, establishment of examination board and enhancing HR visibility and branding.
IHRM chairman Elijah Sitima said the strategic plan would ensure the country has a strong HR component. “This new direction is a clear indication that it is not business as usual in the HR industry,” he said.
The strategic plan will form the foundation that provides for a balance between labour management and human resources management in the corporate world of the 21st century. The strategy also proposes structural reforms of the institute to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency.
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