CS Ruku urges HR professionals to uphold integrity and boost productivity

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has challenged human resource professionals to uphold integrity, develop workforce skills and improve productivity to support Kenya’s economic transformation.

Speaking during the opening of the 30th Annual National HRM Conference in Naivasha, Ruku said human capital development would be critical as Kenya transitions from Vision 2030 to the proposed Vision 2060 blueprint.

“The strongest control in any organisation is an honest professional,” he said,

The CS warned against ghost workers, jobs sold for money and favouritism in recruitment and promotions.

Ruku cited the proposed $16 billion Dangote East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemicals Special Economic Zone in Lamu, expected to create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, as an example of investments requiring a skilled workforce.

He called for closer collaboration between government, industry, universities and professional bodies to align training with labour market needs.

The CS also urged HR practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence and digital systems, arguing that organisations must focus on results rather than employee numbers.

“We must move from headcount to productivity, from activities to outcomes, and from effort alone to measurable value,” he said.

He challenged public and private institutions to set clear targets for human capital development and regularly assess progress.

The four-day conference is being held under the theme, “From Vision to First World: Human Capital Powering Kenya’s Transformation.”