To bolster the regulation and professionalism within the field of Human Resource Management in Kenya, the Institute of Human Resource Management Kenya (IHRM) has intensified its efforts to ensure compliance with the HRMP Act No.52 of 2012.
This renewed commitment to streamline HR practices in line with a strict code of conduct was underscored by the launch of two new branches in the month of September – the IHRM Mt. Kenya Central (Nyeri) Branch and the Muranga Branch.
With these additions, the IHRM now boasts a total of 16 branches across the country.
The launch of the Mt. Kenya Central Branch domiciled in Nyeri County, and the Murang'a Branch domiciled in Muranga County, was presided over by the Council led by CHRP Catherine Mwangi and Jackson Alwanga, alongside the IHRM Executive Director CHRP Quresha Abdullahi.
"The establishment of these branches reflects the IHRM's commitment to providing a platform for HR professionals to network, learn, and grow. By building a vibrant community and support system, these branches aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among HR practitioners within their respective regions," Quresha said.
The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) functions as a statutory professional body, as mandated by the Human Resource Management Professionals (HRMP) Act, No. 52 of 2012, and a State Corporation under the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action.
Its core mission is to regulate the HR profession in Kenya, enhance competencies and capabilities, and promote innovative and transformative HR practices and standards.
Additionally, IHRM is responsible for registering all individuals who meet the required professional and ethical standards, as well as enforcing compliance with the HRMP Act and associated rights for its licensed HR practitioners.
"The IHRM takes this opportunity to remind the public that all individuals eligible for registration or licensing under the HRMP Act must adhere to Sections 19(1), 22, 23, and 29(1) of the Act. Section 29(1) stipulates that 'No person shall practice as a human resource management professional unless the person has been issued with a valid practising certificate'," Quresha said.
Rule 7 of the Human Resource Management Professionals (Registration and Training) Regulations, 2015, mandates that any person "who performs human resource management duties and responsibilities in an organization" must obtain a valid Practicing Certificate.
Under Section 41 of the HRMP Act, individuals who, despite being eligible for registration or licensing under the Act, practice without the required credentials commit an offence.
The IHRM boss noted that such individuals may be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand Kenyan shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
"The IHRM leadership notifies all employers in Kenya seeking to hire foreign human resource practitioners that one of the requirements for a Class D work permit, as specified by the Directorate of Immigration Services, is clearance from the IHRM for HR Professionals. All employers must ensure that the HR professionals they engage are compliant with the requirements of the HRMP Act," Quresha noted.
"All registered and licensed members of IHRM are reminded that they must renew their Membership by paying the prescribed Annual Subscription Fee to remain in good standing and continue their professional practice.
Quresha further urged stakeholders, including HR practitioners, employers, and the public, have been asked to collaborate in ensuring that HR practices in Kenya adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.
She said IHRM seeks to contribute to the growth and development of the HR profession in Kenya, ultimately benefiting organizations and employees across the nation.