IHRM Issues July 31 Deadline for HR Compliance Across All Sectors
The council of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) has directed all employers and organizations across Kenya to fully comply with statutory human resource professional requirements by 31st July 2026, warning that failure to do so will attract criminal liability and professional sanctions.
Addressing the media on Saturday in Nairobi, the IHRM Council, led by National Chairman Philip Odero, expressed concern that less than 30 per cent of organizations across all sectors are currently compliant, despite the clear legal framework governing the profession.
Under Section 29(1) of the Human Resource Management Professionals Act, all individuals performing human resource management functions or human resource-related duties must be registered members of IHRM and hold a valid membership or practicing certificate.
The directive applies to public and private institutions, non-governmental organizations, and parastatals, with no exemptions based on rank, designation, or sector.
Odero warned that organizations and individuals who fail to meet the July deadline risk criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, professional sanctions, and legal proceedings as provided for under the law.
He emphasized that the move is aimed at professionalizing human resource practice and safeguarding organizations from unethical and unqualified HR practices.
“The law is clear, and compliance is not optional. Employers must ensure that anyone undertaking HR functions is duly registered and licensed,” Odero said.
The IHRM Council further outlined key compliance requirements, including mandatory registration and licensing of HR practitioners, integration of IHRM qualifications into schemes of service, and the inclusion of council approval in work permits for foreign human resource professionals operating in Kenya.
According to the institute, streamlining human resource management will enhance professionalism, improve workplace standards, and promote fair labour practices across the economy.
IHRM has urged employers to act with urgency, noting that the July 31 deadline is final. The council also called on HR practitioners to regularize their status promptly to avoid disruptions to their careers and organizational operations.
“Non-compliance with these requirements past the date of 31st July 2026 shall attract criminal liability under Sections 41, 42, and 43 of the HRMP Act, CAP 538, and may result in disciplinary action, professional sanctions, and legal proceedings,” he urged