CS Ruku calls for radical tech shift in HR to empower talent, drive growth

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has called for a radical shift in the integration of technology in human resource practices.

Ruku said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain should be integrated into human resource management practices, particularly in talent development, organisational culture, and performance management.

Ruku was speaking on Tuesday during the official opening of the 11th Annual National Human Resource Congress at the White Sands Hotel in Mombasa.

 ‘'HR profession is undergoing a fundamental transformation spurred by global disruptions, evolving workforce expectations, and accelerating technological change," Ruku said.

“The future of human resource management is experience driven and not process driven, predictive, not reactive and powered by artificial intelligence rather than manual processes,” he noted.

The event, which was held under the theme “Reimagining HR Navigating Strategy, People & Technology,” brought together HR professionals, policymakers, CEOs, and key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.

The aim was to engage in dialogue and knowledge sharing on the future of HR practice.

CS Ruku stressed that HR must transition from being a traditional support function to a strategic enabler of institutional performance.

 He urged professionals to embrace data analytics, AI-powered tools, and automated systems to enhance recruitment, talent retention, performance tracking, and workforce planning.

“Automation will help both government and private organisations reduce inefficiencies, enhance decision making, and better predict employees’ turnover,” he said.

The CS appealed to the private sector to collaborate with the government in making internship opportunities more accessible and impactful for the youth.

“Kindly avail yourself for roundtable meetings to deliberate on how we can make internships more robust through the private sector,” he urged.

“It is time for a national conversation on how to create meaningful internship opportunities. Youth empowerment must be a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors,” he added.

The Cabinet Secretary also emphasised the importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusivity in recruitment, leadership development, and performance management systems.

 He advocated for people-centric HR strategies that prioritise personalised learning, career development, and employee well-being.

 Ruku commended the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) for organising the congress and for playing a key role in guiding the evolution of HR in line with global trends.

He challenged participants at the congress to take an active role in leading the reimagining of HR as a critical driver of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.