Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service Amos Gathecha has called for the empowerment of Human resource professionals to boost productivity in the workplace.
Gathecha on Monday said HR leaders need the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively manage and develop their employees.
"For the desired transformation to take place, HR professionals who are critical drivers of the transformation agenda, have to keep abreast with the latest global HR trends by developing the requisite skills and competencies to drive productivity," Gathecha said.
He spoke during the seminar for HR directors and deputy directors in the public service held in collaboration with the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM).
Gathecha asked HR Leaders to embrace a culture of respect, inclusivity, and empathy, and empower Public Service HR for enhanced productivity and transformation in order to build a more resilient and effective PublicService that can better serve the needs of our citizens.
He said that the Public Service of the future is one that is prone to more disruption as the world becomes more connected and adopts smarter technologies.
"As HR leaders and positive drivers of the future Public Service, it is our responsibility to champion these principles and lead by example," he said.
Gathecha also called upon HR professionals to attain the required certifications by being registered as members of the IHRM in compliance with the requirements of the Human Resource Management Professionals Act of 2012.
He said the Government is keen on compliance in its bid to ensure continuous professional development and upholding of ethical conduct in HR practice.
The PS expressed appreciation to the leadership of IHRM, led by the National Chairman, CHRMP Philip Odero for working very closely with the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action to host the seminar.
Odero on his part thanked the PS for working closely with IHRM.
He said since he took over the office, the level of consultation with the ministry has increased tremendously.
Odero said the seminar seeks to enhance the working relationship between IHRM and HR professionals in government.
He called upon public sector HR practitioners to be proactive in promoting professionalism within their respective Ministries by ensuring that they register as members of IHRM.
Odero said empowering public service HR will lead to enhanced productivity and transformation.
This, he said, can be done by providing HR professionals with the tools and resources they need to develop and implement inclusive HR policies and practices.
"This includes capacity building on diversity, equity, and inclusion, developing performance metrics that align with organizational values, and promoting employee engagement and retention through recognition and career development opportunities."
IHRM Executive Quresha Abdullahi on her part said HR professions hold the power to transform organizations and, by extension, the nation.
To achieve empowerment Quresha said HR professionals must focus on several key areas among them investing in continuous learning and professional development.
"Human resource leaders must create a culture of lifelong learning, where employees are encouraged and supported to acquire new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and broaden their knowledge base," she said.
"By investing in their development, we not only enhance their individual capabilities but also cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement."
She asked HR leaders to champion the adoption of technological solutions that automate routine tasks, allowing human resources to focus on strategic initiatives, problem-solving, and value-added activities.
Quresha noted that HR professionals also have a role to play in implementing the Government agenda as stipulated in its visionary plan that outlines the path to the nation's prosperity.
"The Kenya Kwanza Manifesto sums up the aspirations of our government and people It is our duty as HR leaders, especially in the public service to translate the goals of the Manifesto into tangible actions within our organizations," she said.
