Curtain falls on three-day conference for personnel managers

Curtain falls on three-day conference for personnel managers.

A three-day conference of human resource managers ends today with calls for a closer collaboration between the State and the private sector.

The Sixth Annual Human Resources Congress at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa, brought together hundreds of delegates from the private and public sector as well as professional organisations.

It was organised by the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) and co-sponsored by The Standard Group.

Addressing the conference, Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Stephen Kirogo said the public sector remained the country’s largest employer, but needed to work with the private sector and other players to transform the economy.

“Being the largest employer in Kenya, effective development and management of public sector employees is critical for Kenya’s success,”said Mr Kirogo.

Citing the example of Singapore, Mr Kirogo called on the human resource managers to initiate and enforce strategies that enhance employees’ financial, social and mental welfare.

“Countries like Singapore boast an efficient and effective public service, public sector workers’ pay is advanced progressively based on their contribution to the economy,” he said.

He said human resource managers must pursue international best practices in such areas as competitive pay, rewards, skills training and strategies that promote productivity and wellness of personnel.

“We must focus on making jobs and work meaningful, giving people a sense of trust and fairness, and making sure the work we do is valued and considered by everyone on the team,” he said.

This, he said, required employers to take into account employees’ entire experiences including their social, financial and welfare as well as promoting ethical practices.

“The PSC has introduced programmes to support workers’ mental and physical health including programmes on HIV and Aids and alcoholism rehabilitation,” he said. He also advocated for a partnership between the public and private sectors to train staff on tapping new technology to become more productive, especially targeting the youth who form the bulk of the country’s human resource. 

IHRM Executive Director Dorcas Wainaina announced that all foreign human resource professionals seeking employment in the country would be vetted. She said IHRM was equipped to vet foreign human resource professionals.  

“This will also apply to foreigners already working in the country and wish to renew their permits,” said Ms Wainaina.

Wainaina also announced that IHRM had developed guidelines on training of human resource managers.