CS Ruku urges HR officers to uphold integrity in recruitment, promotions

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged Human Resource (HR) officers in the National and County Governments, as well as state departments and agencies, to strictly adhere to established recruitment and payment procedures.

Ruku warned that deviations from approved systems undermine professionalism in the public sector and create opportunities for corruption and nepotism.

He called on HR officers to serve as “custodians of integrity and accountability” within the public service, stressing that counties must align their recruitment practices with National standards to promote transparency and merit-based employment.

“The government of President William Ruto is committed to ensuring we have a very effective and efficient administration on behalf of the people of Kenya. This can only be achieved if human resource managers and directors synchronise their efforts to run day-to-day public affairs effectively,” Ruku said.

The CS cautioned against irregular salary payments and unauthorised appointments that inflate National and County wage bills, saying such practices derail development projects. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening HR management systems to promote efficiency, fairness, and productivity across all levels of public administration.

Speaking in Naivasha during the opening of the 29th Annual National Human Resource Management (HRM) Conference, Ruku revealed that a recent audit across ministries, departments, agencies, and counties had exposed widespread malpractices in HR departments.

He said some officers had turned job recruitment into a commercial enterprise by selling employment opportunities, falsifying credentials, and manipulating merit-based selection systems.

“The audit uncovered systemic collusion between some HR officers and job seekers involving the sale of employment opportunities and falsification of academic credentials. This behaviour undermines service delivery, erodes public trust, and costs our economy billions,” he stated.

Ruku declared that any HR practitioner found guilty of corruption would face deregistration, prosecution, and a permanent ban from the profession.

“Let me be clear, the era of impunity is over. We are working with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) to ensure those who have commercialised recruitment are punished,” he warned.

The conference, attended by over 1,000 HR professionals from across the country, was held under the theme “Human Capital: Africa’s Growth Currency in a 4D World; Digital, Diverse, Decentralised, and Dynamic.”

Ruku praised the IHRM for promoting professionalism, ethics, and innovation in workplace management, noting that the organisation continues to play a key role in aligning Kenya’s workforce with the country’s development agenda.

“Your efforts have contributed to the progressive labour practices and good governance we enjoy today,” he said.

The CS underscored the importance of human capital as Africa’s most valuable resource, noting that nations investing in their people will lead the future in innovation, productivity, and prosperity.

 “The future of Africa will not be determined by natural resources, but by our people. Human capital is indeed the real currency of growth for Africa,” he said.

Ruku highlighted that President Ruto’s administration has placed people at the centre of national transformation through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on empowering communities and creating opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, housing, healthcare, and the digital economy.

He cited the Affordable Housing Programme as a prime example of human capital-driven transformation, noting that it not only develops infrastructure but also creates jobs, dignity, and opportunities for youth and local enterprises.

“The success of BETA depends on a qualified, ethical, and motivated workforce,” he added.

Ruku challenged HR professionals to lead efforts in rebuilding trust and integrity in both the public and private sectors.

 HR professionals are the bridge between policy and performance. You must champion meritocracy, fairness, and accountability,” he told the delegates.

He further highlighted the government’s collaboration with the IHRM and the Public Service Commission to strengthen systems promoting meritocracy, efficiency, and continuous professional development.

Turning to the youth, Ruku emphasised the importance of equipping them with digital and entrepreneurial skills through initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Programme, which trains young people in coding, digital marketing, and online content creation.

 “Our youth represent the digital dimension of this 4D world. We must create workplaces that are inclusive, dynamic, and youth-friendly,” he said.

Ruku reaffirmed the government’s support for IHRM’s efforts to eliminate impostors and unethical individuals from the profession.

 “Kenya needs ethical, competent, and responsible HR professionals we can trust to steward our greatest national asset, our people,” he concluded, as he officially declared the 29th Annual HRM Conference open.