PS Public Service Mr. Amos Gathecha Opens the 28th Annual National HRM Conference at Sawela Lodges, Naivasha
Speaking at the 28th Annual National HRM Conference at Sawela Lodges, Naivasha, Mr. Amos Gathecha, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development, painted a compelling vision of HR professionals as architects of workplace transformation in Kenya. This conference brings together HR leaders from all sectors across the Country. PS while addressing the audience, underscored the collective efforts of the Ministry, the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), and HR professionals can shape a future where HR practices are not merely functional, but foundational to institutional excellence and progress.
With the theme, "HR Visionaries: Transforming Workplaces, Empowering Africa," PS urged practitioners to be bold pioneers in reshaping the workplace to foster productivity, enhance employee satisfaction, and heighten organizational impact. He noted that HR stands at a pivotal crossroads where technology, demographic shifts, and evolving workforce dynamics necessitate a fresh approach. He said in HR landscape, open communication, hybrid work environments, and employee wellness are not just strategies but pillars supporting a more inclusive, engaged, and resilient workforce.
The Principal Secretary addressed HR practitioners on the government's commitment to transforming the workplace in the Public Service, aligning these efforts with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This transformation aims to foster a strategic and skilled Public Service, anticipating change and enhancing service delivery to citizens.
The PS highlighted key reforms, beginning with the Human Resource Information System Kenya (HRIS-Ke), launched in 2024. This web-based system centralizes human resource management in the public sector, including payroll functions. It allocates a Unique Payroll Number (UPN) to all public officers, supporting the Payroll Management Policy for consistency and transparency. Ministries and Departments have already migrated to the system, with other agencies set to join by June 2025. Payroll managers from various public sectors are receiving training to ensure smooth implementation, and the PS called on HR leaders to ensure compliance with the system's provisions.
The PS also addressed Medical Coverage for Civil Servants, noting that the State Department for Public Service and the Social Health Authority extended the comprehensive medical insurance scheme contract until November 2024 to guarantee uninterrupted service. Plans are underway to ensure a smooth transition beyond this extension, and all citizens are encouraged to enroll in the new Social Health Insurance Fund.
On managing a diverse workforce, the PS acknowledged the challenges posed by generational and cultural differences. To address these, the government has mainstreamed several policies, such as the Diversity Policy, Dignity at Work Policy, Gender Mainstreaming Policy, and the HIV and AIDS Policy. These policies promote inclusivity and respect in the workplace, mirroring similar efforts in the private sector in line with constitutional mandates.
The government has also made strides in digitalizing service delivery. By leveraging technology, they introduced initiatives such as virtual meetings, e-learning, teleconferencing, and the Huduma Kenya Service Delivery Programme—a one-stop platform offering citizens timely access to multiple government services. Additionally, automated performance contracting and appraisal processes now provide real-time insights into employee performance and organizational efficiency, supporting the government’s commitment to service excellence and quality management.
Lastly, the PS highlighted the importance of mental health management. Recognizing that good mental health is essential for organizational success, the government launched the National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness in 2023. These guidelines underscore the need for supportive work environments and accessible resources for employees to manage their mental health effectively.
PS in his closing remarks urged HR practitioners to actively support these initiatives, ensuring they are implemented and maintained within their agencies, thus contributing to a modernized, efficient, and inclusive Public Service.