HRMPEB certifies record 1,464 human resource professionals in 2026
The professionals were recognised during the Board’s 7th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) Certification Ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, under the theme “Building a Competent and Compliant HR Profession through Certification.”
The record-breaking cohort represents a 29.6 per cent increase from the 1,130 professionals certified in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of professional qualifications in strengthening competence, accountability and ethical practices in Kenya’s workforce.
Certification numbers reach new high
Speaking during the ceremony, HRMPEB Chief Executive Officer Margaret Nguu attributed the increase to growing interest in professional qualifications, expanded examination centres and government initiatives promoting the professionalisation of human resource management in the Public Service.
She acknowledged the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development for issuing a circular encouraging public service HR practitioners to undertake CHRP certification, a move that has contributed to increased enrolment and recognition of professional qualifications.
Experienced practitioners recognised
In a significant development, 25 experienced human resource practitioners were recognised through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative, designed to acknowledge competencies, knowledge and skills acquired through years of professional practice.
The initiative provides an alternative pathway to certification for experienced practitioners, recognising that professional competence can be gained through formal education and workplace experience, subject to established assessment standards.
Reforms expand access to certification
HRMPEB also highlighted reforms aimed at making professional certification more accessible across the country.
These include increasing CHRP examination series from two to three annually, scheduled for April, August and December, giving candidates greater flexibility in pursuing their qualifications.
Other milestones include implementing a revised CHRP curriculum, expanding accredited training institutions, introducing private candidature and strengthening Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes at certificate and diploma levels.
Since conducting its first professional examinations in 2017, HRMPEB has continued to expand its reach, with the cumulative number of certified human resource professionals now standing at 6,307.
