HR Board Unveils Nationwide Drive to Professionalise HR Practice, Boost Certification Uptake

The Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB) has announced a nationwide plan to professionalise human resource practice and expand certification among practitioners following high-level consultations with the government.

The board hosted Dr Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Service, in a meeting that focused on strengthening human capital development, improving certification pathways, and ensuring sustainability of HRMPEB operations.

HRMPEB Chairperson Wycliffe Nyakina said the discussions centred on professionalising the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) qualification and streamlining examination, certification, and diploma processes.

“We have agreed on a nationwide certification assistance programme to ensure that public servants who meet Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) requirements are supported through certification and entered into the CHRP register,” Nyakina said.

Nationwide Certification and RPL Rollout

The board will conduct outreach across ministries, counties, constitutional commissions, and state corporations to identify experienced HR practitioners who are not yet certified and guide them through the RPL pathway.

Officials said the initiative targets long-serving professionals whose practical experience qualifies them for formal recognition but who lack certification.

HRMPEB also plans to partner with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as accredited examination centres to increase enrolment in certificate and diploma programmes, particularly for students who did not meet university entry grades.

Nyakina noted that the move will open an alternative professional route for candidates with grades below C+, enabling them to begin at certificate and diploma level and progress toward CHRP status.

Certification to Influence Career Progression

The board revealed that CHRP, certificate, and diploma qualifications will increasingly be recognised within public service career progression structures, a shift expected to influence both government and private-sector hiring standards.

HRMPEB’s Chief Executive Officer  Margaret Nguu said the board aims to ensure “no HR professional is left behind,” adding that certification could soon become mandatory for practice.

“We are rolling out assessments nationwide because many professionals have served for years without certification. Within the next year, we expect the numbers to rise significantly,” the CEO said.

The board is also introducing dual-certification arrangements with universities so that students can pursue HRMPEB qualifications alongside degree programmes and graduate already certified.

Government Backs Professional Standards Push

Speaking during the briefing, Dr. Imbunya underscored the need for integrity, professionalism, and accountability in HR practice, urging officers to uphold ethical standards in certification and service delivery.

She described the reforms as part of building “an open public service with a human face” that responds effectively to citizens while strengthening workforce capability.

Imbunya challenged HR professionals to champion excellence in managing Kenya’s human capital, noting that institutional transformation depends not only on technology but also on skilled personnel.

She referenced lessons shared during engagements at the Kenya School of Government, stressing that national development ambitions require a competent and ethical workforce.

Link to National Development Agenda

The Principal Secretary said the professionalisation of HR practice is central to delivering the government’s development priorities under the administration of William Samoei Ruto.

“We may invest in modern systems and technology, but people remain the key enablers. Human capital development is the engine that will drive our national transformation,” she said.

Sustainability and Institutional Reforms

HRMPEB leadership said it is implementing a “whole-of-board approach” to eliminate operational silos, strengthen governance, and secure long-term financial and institutional sustainability.

The board expressed confidence that collaboration with government ministries, training institutions, and industry stakeholders will expand certification uptake and standardise HR practice across the country.