Justin Muturi, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development at Bomas of Kenya during the CHRP certification ceremony on Friday 25th
Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi – In a significant milestone for the human resources sector, over 700 Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) were celebrated at the fifth CHRP certification ceremony, organized by the Human Resource Management Professional Examination Board (HRMPEB).
The event, held at the iconic Bomas of Kenya, was led by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Hon. Justin Muturi, and attracted HR leaders and professionals from across the country.
In his keynote address, CS Muturi underscored the essential role that HR professionals play in Kenya’s socio-economic development.
He highlighted that the government is committed to strengthening the HR profession, a commitment reflected in policies and certification frameworks aimed at ensuring that qualified professionals lead key HR functions.
“The government is dedicated to creating safe, innovative work environments that promote employee well-being, productivity, and work-life balance,” said Muturi. He emphasized that such initiatives are central to Kenya’s Human Resource Strategy Framework for the Public Service, which aims to optimize human capital in a way that positions Kenya as a competitive player on the global stage.
The HR certification, Muturi explained, aligns with international standards, intending to instill professionalism, integrity, and foresight in HR practices. With the focus on upskilling HR professionals through continuous professional development.
HRMPEB celebrated over 700 HR graduates at the 5th CHRP ceremony
Muturi stressed that the certification would ensure that Kenyan HR practitioners are not only globally competitive but also pivotal to the success of local organizations. “The establishment of this framework promotes inclusion and equitable employment opportunities, fostering a labor market that values diversity,” he added.
This commitment to elevating the HR profession was echoed by Margaret Nguu, CEO of HRMPEB, who called upon HR professionals to champion fairness and equity within workplaces. With the recent renaming of the Ministry to the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development, the government has reinforced its focus on human capital as a driver of national growth. Nguu stated, “This shift signifies the government’s support for HR as pivotal to Kenya’s future.”
In her address, Nguu encouraged the newly certified HR professionals to lead with purpose and integrity, noting the evolution of HR roles toward positions that focus on “People and Culture.” This shift, she explained, reflects a broader reorientation in HR functions to emphasize employee wellness, happiness, and organizational culture.
She further elaborated on the revamped curriculum for HR certification, which now includes new subjects tailored to the modern workplace. Topics such as counseling, mentoring, coaching, organizational transformation, and change management have been incorporated to create more humane and flexible work environments. This progressive approach caters to the needs of a younger workforce, including Gen Z employees, who increasingly prioritize wellness, flexibility, and job satisfaction.
Understanding the values and preferences of younger employees is now more critical than ever, noted Nguu, highlighting that this demographic places a high value on technological integration, open communication, and a supportive workplace culture. “By adapting to these needs, organizations can retain talent and foster a more engaged workforce,” she added.
CS Muturi, Nguu and other leaders congratulated the newly certified HR professionals. With Kenya’s labor market rapidly evolving, the government and HRMPEB’s initiatives mark a progressive step toward an HR profession that not only addresses today’s organizational challenges but also contributes meaningfully to national socio-economic growth.