Paul Arithi 
Amos Gathecha (L), PS State Department for Public Service presenting the Best People-Focused CEO/MD of the Year Award to Mr. Joseph Choge.{photo/courtesy}
The Annual HR Awards & Gala Dinner 2022,took place on Friday night where various organizations were feted for their excellence in people management throughout the year.
Hosted by The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) Kenya, the event saw winners recognized across Government Ministries, State Corporations, Corporate Bodies and County Governments including County Public Service Boards and County Assembly Service Boards.
Open to HR professionals and employer organizations of any size or type with operations in Kenya, the HR Awards Kenya is an Initiative of the IHRM, held since 2019 to recognize organizations and individuals who have achieved professional, organizational or business
excellence through outstanding people strategies and practices.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest Amos Gathecha, PS State Department for Public Service,who represented Aisha Jumwa, Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, noted that the IHRM HR Awards reinforce the need for excellence in people management which significantly contribute to improved performance and enhanced productivity
in all sectors of the economy.
According to the PS, there are over 30,000 HR practitioners in the country, with about 16,000 registered under IHRM, out of which 8,000 are active, meaning that only 25% of the professionals have complied with the Human Resource Management Professional Act 52/2012.
He invited suggestions and ideas on how the ministry can support the council to ensure the compliance of all HR practitioners.“I call upon IHRM to take up the responsibility of advising both state and non-state actors on matters of people management, productivity and skill development so that our workforce remains competitive in the global market.” The PS said.
Additionally, he said that the government will design new human capital systems consistent with merit-system principles, including digitization, modernizing policies and practices for recruitment,retention, training, and development of talent while promoting career progression and ambitious public service among civil servants.
CHRP Odero Phillip Dalmas, National Chairman IHRM – Kenya said the Annual HR Awards,which also included criteria for employee wellness, seeks to identify individuals and institutions that continue to make an invaluable contribution to the HR practice in the country.
“The HR awards are aligned with the future of work and HR practice such as embracing technology, and promoting green human resource management while addressing diversity, equity,and inclusion. Similarly, employee health directly influences work behavior, attendance, and on-the-job performance. We, therefore, encourage open conversation around holistic well-being and in particular mental health at the workplace. These are all strategic areas that are also a priority for the IHRM council”, he said.The IHRM he added introduced the e-IHRM a system allowing members to access all IHRM services online including renewal and generation of membership certificates and maintenance of continuous professional development credit points.
Others who spoke at the event included IHRM Executive Director, CHRP Quresha Abdullahi who challenged HR professionals and employers alike to embrace best people management practices and compliance with existing laws in promoting excellence.She further said that HRAwards is a global practice that allows people to come together, feel appreciated and valued.
“Award ceremonies provide a platform to show approval and gratitude to individuals and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments, it also makes people aware that achievements will be rewarded further entrenching best practices.” She concluded.
The following were the winners in this year’s Awards Gala:
Category Winner:
● HR Trendsetter of the Year – Nelson Ogudha
● Work-Life Integration Strategy of the Year – Strathmore University
● Talent Management Strategy of the Year – Unga Holdings Limited
● HR Rising Star of the Year – Keith Anami
● Green HRM Initiative of the Year – CPF Financial Services
● Best Transformation/Change Strategy of the Year – American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya Services Limited
● Most Diverse & Inclusive State Corporation – National Council for Persons with Disability
● HR Mentor of the Year – Jane Mutisya
● HRM Excellence County of the Year – Kajiado County
● HR Tech Strategy of the Year – Academy of Certified Human Resource Professionals Ltd
● HRM Excellence State Corporation of the Year – Kenya Electricity Generating Company
● HRM Excellence County Public Service Board – Bomet County
● Workplace Wellness Program of the Year – Strathmore University
● HR Director of the Year – Dr. Francis Kangure
● Best People-Focused CEO/MD of the Year Award – Mr.Joseph Choge
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