Kenya has become the first country in Africa to have certified human resource professionals, which marks the climax of reforms started five years ago.
The Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB) today released the results of its first ever examinations in which 90 HR professionals attained its highest qualification who will be the first to receive the certified human resource professional (CHRP-K) certification.
HRMPEB interim CEO Samson Osero said only those with CHRP (K) certification would be admitted as members to the Institute of Human Resource Management, further tightening regulation of the industry.
According to the Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB), over 240 candidates were evaluated in the three examinations categories leading to certification – CHRP I, II and III across eight centres across the country.
IHRM Council chairman Elijah Sitimah, while releasing the results said, 42 candidates sat for entry level exams in CHRP I, 82 for intermediary course CHRP II and 120 candidates for the final level CHRP III, with pass rates of 79%, 81% and 79% respectively.
“The CHRP examinations are intended to enhance competency of HR professionals in the execution of their HR management role at the workplace,” said Mr Sitimah, noting that candidates are assessed on their HR knowledge, practical skills and professional attitude.
Established under the Human Resources Management Professionals Act of 2012, the HRMPEB is mandated to prepare syllabuses and administer HR professional examinations. HRMPEB in November last year unveiled a customized curriculum to address the HR challenges at both organisational and national levels in Kenya.
Mr Sitimah said the training equiops HR professionals with skills on application of best human resources management practices within professional standards of conduct and ethics.
He said the courses had been structured to accommodate practising professionals who have until 2020 to attend the courses and get the certification. “It is expected that holders of this qualification will enhance practice of HR and promote higher organizational productivity,” he said. “At the national level, HR professionals will contribute significantly to industrial harmony within the context of improved work environments.”
So far, HRMPEB has accredited 23 training colleges across the country and targets to have 50 over the next one year.
HR is one of the foundations upon which Vision 2030 economic, social and political pillars will be achieved. The training and eventual certification puts the HR profession at the forefront in making significant contribution towards the achievement of Vision 2030.