Public Service
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has challenged human resource professionals to
uphold integrity, develop workforce skills and improve productivity to support
Kenya’s economic transformation.
Speaking during
the opening of the 30th Annual National HRM Conference in Naivasha, Ruku said
human capital development would be critical as Kenya transitions from Vision
2030 to the proposed Vision 2060 blueprint.
“The strongest
control in any organisation is an honest professional,” he said,
The CS warned
against ghost workers, jobs sold for money and favouritism in recruitment and
promotions.
Ruku cited the
proposed $16 billion Dangote East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemicals Special
Economic Zone in Lamu, expected to create up to 60,000 direct and indirect
jobs, as an example of investments requiring a skilled workforce.
He called for
closer collaboration between government, industry, universities and
professional bodies to align training with labour market needs.
The CS also urged
HR practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence and digital systems,
arguing that organisations must focus on results rather than employee numbers.
“We must move from
headcount to productivity, from activities to outcomes, and from effort alone
to measurable value,” he said.
He challenged
public and private institutions to set clear targets for human capital
development and regularly assess progress.
The four-day
conference is being held under the theme, “From Vision to First World: Human
Capital Powering Kenya’s Transformation.”
