Human Resource Managers in government institutions and the private sector have been reminded of the critical role they play in shaping work culture and driving operational success.
Speaking during the keynote address at the closing ceremony of the 11th Annual National HR Professionals Congress in Mombasa, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, maintained that their responsibilities extend well beyond recruitment and employee relations, noting they serve as the custodians of fairness, ethics, and institutional integrity.
At the same time, he urged the managers to maintain high standards of professionalism, as he stressed the importance of integrating human resource management into the core of public sector governance and institutional reform.
“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.
To achieve this, Koskei proposed fostering a people-centred organisational culture, leveraging digital transformation, strengthening ethical leadership and stewardship, and advancing performance management systems grounded in meritocracy.
Koskei was joined by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Dr Jane Kere Imbunya, who affirmed her support for HR professionals in achieving their mandate.
“It’s Aluta Continua,” she said. “In your quiet moments, I encourage you to listen to Miriam Makeba’s rendition of this phrase on your smartphones; it will give you the strength and oomph to carry on.”
Deputy Head of Public Service, Amos Gathecha, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the need for HR professionals to adapt to the rapidly evolving nature of the workplace.
He highlighted key shifts such as changes in labour laws, the rise of artificial intelligence, the growing importance of diversity, and the increasing prevalence of remote work.
The annual congress brought together over 950 HR professionals from both the public and private sectors and presented a critical platform for dialogue and capacity building.
It comes as most organisations, both within the public and private sectors, grapple with work culture constraints and cases of employees lamenting over unconducive work environments.
Koskei was also joined by the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Resource Management; Certified Human Resource Professional Odero Philip Dalmas, IHRM National Chairman, IHRM Council Members, County Secretaries, Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers, Captains of Industry, and over 140 HR Directors and Deputy Directors from across the country.
