Public Service, Human Capital Development, and
Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the government is
implementing reforms aimed at modernizing payroll systems, improving
transparency, and enforcing discipline in human resource management to
eliminate corruption and inefficiency.
Speaking during the 6th Certified Human
Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo
Dome, Jamhuri Park, Ruku described the government’s renewed focus on
professionalism as central to building a competent and ethical public
workforce.
The event saw 1,130 new HR professionals certified under the Human Resource
Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB).
“The certification of these professionals is a clear demonstration of our dedication to building a competent and ethical workforce capable of steering Kenya’s socio-economic transformation,” Ruku said.
“Professionalism in human resource
management is key to eliminating corruption and improving service delivery.”
Ruku emphasized that the government views
certified HR professionals as key players in the fight against payroll
manipulation and unethical hiring practices, urging them to uphold the highest
standards of integrity and accountability.
He disclosed that ongoing investigations had
revealed cases where some HR officers colluded with public servants to
irregularly alter job groups and remuneration structures without authorization
from the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Such malpractice, he said, has led to financial losses and eroded public
trust in government institutions.
“As a government, we are facing a serious challenge in human resource management, especially where employees fail to report to work on time,” he said.
“We also have issues within the
payroll system, where individuals are changing job groups without any official
recommendation from the PSC. These are forms of corruption that we must address
decisively.”
The CS warned that officers found guilty of tampering with payroll systems or engaging in unethical conduct will face disciplinary and legal consequences.
He challenged the newly certified professionals to be agents of reform
within their workplaces by promoting merit-based practices and fair treatment
of employees.
“You have now been certified as human resource
professionals. Use your skills to better the public service,” Ruku said.
“Be the agents of change who will
help the government build a workforce driven by values and excellence.”
He said the government was determined to
create a transparent and efficient public service through the ongoing
digitization of payroll systems and automation of HR processes.
According to Ruku, the adoption of
digital platforms will not only enhance data accuracy but also make it easier
to track promotions, attendance, and performance, reducing opportunities for
manipulation.
“The government is committed to modernizing
public service management through digital solutions that guarantee fairness and
accountability,” he said.
“Automation will help seal loopholes
and ensure that public funds are used responsibly.”
Ruku added that the ministry is reviewing human resource policies to align promotions and performance evaluations with merit, productivity, and ethical conduct, rather than favoritism or external influence.
CS Geoffrey Ruku during the 6th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo Dome, Jamhuri Park.
He said a values-driven HR framework was essential for achieving the
country’s development goals and restoring public confidence in state
institutions.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment
to improving working conditions for civil servants through modern systems that
promote fairness and career progression.
“We are determined to build a public
service that is not only efficient but also anchored on integrity,
professionalism, and respect for public resources,” he said.
The CHRP certification program, run by HRMPEB
in collaboration with the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), has
been instrumental in promoting professionalism and building HR capacity across
both public and private sectors.
The program equips practitioners with technical expertise, leadership skills, and ethical grounding to manage people effectively and support institutional reform.
During the event, officials from IHRM commended
the government’s ongoing reforms, noting that continuous professional
development was essential for HR practitioners to keep pace with changes in
governance, technology, and labor management.
They said the certification of over a thousand new professionals would
inject fresh energy into the public service and help address ethical lapses and
inefficiencies.
“The inclusion of these newly certified
professionals is a step forward in professionalizing public administration,”
one IHRM representative said.
“We believe their contribution will be critical in driving ethical leadership and ensuring accountability in both public and private institutions.”
CS Geoffrey Ruku during the 6th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo Dome, Jamhuri Park.
Ruku reiterated that integrity and
professionalism remain at the heart of Kenya’s public service reforms. He said
the success of government transformation initiatives depends on the ethical
standards of its workforce.
“Our success as a nation depends on
the integrity of our workforce. Every officer must understand that ethical
behavior is not optional—it is a duty to the people of Kenya,” he said.
The certification of the 1,130 HR
professionals marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to build a
merit-based and accountable public service.
With the government accelerating its digitization agenda and tightening
oversight mechanisms, officials hope that a new generation of HR practitioners
will help entrench a culture of transparency, professionalism, and excellence
across all levels of government.
Ruku concluded his remarks by urging all HR
professionals, both in government and the private sector, to take personal
responsibility in upholding ethical standards
. “We cannot fight corruption or inefficiency through policy alone. It
begins with individual responsibility. Let every professional stand firm on the
principles of integrity and service to the nation,” he said.
