Africa-Press – Kenya. The government has stepped up efforts to instill professionalism and integrity in the public service as part of a broader campaign to curb payroll fraud and strengthen accountability across ministries and departments. Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the government is implementing reforms aimed at modernizing payroll systems, improving transparency, and enforcing discipline in human resource management to eliminate corruption and inefficiency.
Speaking during the 6th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo Dome, Jamhuri Park, Ruku described the government’s renewed focus on professionalism as central to building a competent and ethical public workforce.
The event saw 1,130 new HR professionals certified under the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB).
“The certification of these professionals is a clear demonstration of our dedication to building a competent and ethical workforce capable of steering Kenya’s socio-economic transformation,” Ruku said.
“Professionalism in human resource management is key to eliminating corruption and improving service delivery.”
Ruku emphasized that the government views certified HR professionals as key players in the fight against payroll manipulation and unethical hiring practices, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
He disclosed that ongoing investigations had revealed cases where some HR officers colluded with public servants to irregularly alter job groups and remuneration structures without authorization from the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Such malpractice, he said, has led to financial losses and eroded public trust in government institutions.
“As a government, we are facing a serious challenge in human resource management, especially where employees fail to report to work on time,” he said.
“We also have issues within the payroll system, where individuals are changing job groups without any official recommendation from the PSC. These are forms of corruption that we must address decisively.”
The CS warned that officers found guilty of tampering with payroll systems or engaging in unethical conduct will face disciplinary and legal consequences.
He challenged the newly certified professionals to be agents of reform within their workplaces by promoting merit-based practices and fair treatment of employees.
“You have now been certified as human resource professionals. Use your skills to better the public service,” Ruku said.
“Be the agents of change who will help the government build a workforce driven by values and excellence.”
He said the government was determined to create a transparent and efficient public service through the ongoing digitization of payroll systems and automation of HR processes.
According to Ruku, the adoption of digital platforms will not only enhance data accuracy but also make it easier to track promotions, attendance, and performance, reducing opportunities for manipulation.
“The government is committed to modernizing public service management through digital solutions that guarantee fairness and accountability,” he said.
“Automation will help seal loopholes and ensure that public funds are used responsibly.”
Ruku added that the ministry is reviewing human resource policies to align promotions and performance evaluations with merit, productivity, and ethical conduct, rather than favoritism or external influence.
CS Geoffrey Ruku during the 6th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo Dome, Jamhuri Park.
He said a values-driven HR framework was essential for achieving the country’s development goals and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving working conditions for civil servants through modern systems that promote fairness and career progression.
“We are determined to build a public service that is not only efficient but also anchored on integrity, professionalism, and respect for public resources,” he said.
The CHRP certification program, run by HRMPEB in collaboration with the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), has been instrumental in promoting professionalism and building HR capacity across both public and private sectors.
The program equips practitioners with technical expertise, leadership skills, and ethical grounding to manage people effectively and support institutional reform.
During the event, officials from IHRM commended the government’s ongoing reforms, noting that continuous professional development was essential for HR practitioners to keep pace with changes in governance, technology, and labor management.
They said the certification of over a thousand new professionals would inject fresh energy into the public service and help address ethical lapses and inefficiencies.
“The inclusion of these newly certified professionals is a step forward in professionalizing public administration,” one IHRM representative said.
“We believe their contribution will be critical in driving ethical leadership and ensuring accountability in both public and private institutions.”
CS Geoffrey Ruku during the 6th Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) graduation ceremony held at the Nairobi Expo Dome, Jamhuri Park. Ruku reiterated that integrity and professionalism remain at the heart of Kenya’s public service reforms. He said the success of government transformation initiatives depends on the ethical standards of its workforce.
“Our success as a nation depends on the integrity of our workforce. Every officer must understand that ethical behavior is not optional—it is a duty to the people of Kenya,” he said.
The certification of the 1,130 HR professionals marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to build a merit-based and accountable public service.
With the government accelerating its digitization agenda and tightening oversight mechanisms, officials hope that a new generation of HR practitioners will help entrench a culture of transparency, professionalism, and excellence across all levels of government.
Ruku concluded his remarks by urging all HR professionals, both in government and the private sector, to take personal responsibility in upholding ethical standards
. “We cannot fight corruption or inefficiency through policy alone. It begins with individual responsibility. Let every professional stand firm on the principles of integrity and service to the nation,” he said.
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