ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo has challenged human resource leaders to spearhead the emerging fourth industrial revolution so they can create their own space in it.
Owalo, who spoke at a breakfast reception in his honour hosted by the Institute of Human Resource Management in Nairobi, said the global community was on the verge of a new brave world.
"It is the world of automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the internet of things, among others. Digital technology is changing the way we do old things, and at the same time bringing up new things to be done," he said.
"We must reimagine the future and reengineer ourselves for it. We must be predictive and create our own spaces, into and in, that future."
He challenged HR leaders to reflect if what they are doing today will fit in the brave new digital world.
"This is the question every one must ask. The question is even more relevant for HR practitioners. How is the workforce you have transforming itself with technology?," he said.
"As an HR practitioner, are you awake to the transformation that is taking place, or are you sleeping in the middle of a revolution? How are you preparing your people to migrate your firm into the new brave tomorrow?"
Owalo advised HR leaders and managers not to fear change, but instead embrace the right attitude toward change.
"You are now leading younger people, some of whom are more intelligent than you. Give them room to be innovative," the CS said.
