Nairobi: The Public Service Commission (PSC) Vice-Chairperson, Mary Wanjira Kimonye, has called upon Human Resource (HR) professionals, through the Institute of Human Resources Management (IHRM), to devise strategies that accommodate the burgeoning generation of young professionals in the workplace. Mrs. Kimonye emphasized the necessity of adapting to the increasingly youthful workforce in Kenya and globally, underscoring the importance of integrating this generation effectively.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mrs. Kimonye addressed these issues at the 6th Women in HR Convention in Naivasha, themed 'Accelerate Action,' where she urged women to assume more management roles. She highlighted the need for the government and public service to be staffed with individuals possessing the right skills, attitudes, and competencies, and noted that the PSC has embraced affirmative action to increase women's and youth's representation in the public sector.
Mrs. Kimonye also expressed concern about the rising mental health issues within the workplace, particularly in the public service post-COVID. She cited past instances of suicides, especially within the police force, and affirmed that the government has implemented mechanisms to address mental health challenges, including appointing mental health champions in ministries and departments.
Highlighting data from the State Department of Public Service, Mrs. Kimonye revealed that the country lost Sh62.2 billion due to mental health conditions following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She advocates for early detection and mentorship for young public servants to manage the demanding nature of public service jobs. Moreover, she acknowledged challenges such as economic and social pressures, gender-based violence, and family conflicts, and detailed the government's prioritization of mental health through strengthened legal and policy frameworks.
Mrs. Kimonye discussed the ongoing salary increment demands within the public service, noting that salaries are contingent upon national revenue. She encouraged a focus on economic growth, suggesting that enhancing the national revenue could alleviate salary-related grievances. Several public service sectors, including healthcare, have recently experienced strikes over salary demands.
IHRM Executive Director, Quresha Abdullahi, noted that although women constitute approximately 60% of the HR profession, they often occupy lower leadership positions. Abdullahi emphasized the need to develop strategies that maintain the HR function's strategic significance while equipping women with essential leadership skills in both private and public sectors.
She stressed the importance of HR professionals, particularly women, in shaping conducive workplaces for HR policies to thrive. Under her leadership, the IHRM Council is committed to promoting diversity and women's leadership within the HR sector, creating opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles.
Abdullahi shared that the IHRM membership now exceeds 19,000 professionals, with women playing a significant role. She announced a 50% waiver on membership fees until May 2025 to support professional development, especially in challenging economic times.
The Executive Director also highlighted ongoing advocacy efforts to enhance the HR profession's profile in Kenya, noting IHRM's representation in various institutions promoting best HR practices. She discussed efforts to amend the HRMP Act to align it with government objectives, with support from the Ministry of Public Service.
IHRM, established under the HRMP Act No. 52 of 2012, is a statutory body in Kenya responsible for regulating the HR profession, enhancing competencies, and supporting innovative HR practices. It operates under the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management.