The College of Human Resource and Development (COHRED) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) officially launched the JKUAT Human Resource Students Association (JKHRSA) on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

This initiative aimed to establish a crucial platform for students to connect with Human Resource practitioners and gain access to professional development opportunities, including direct engagement with certification bodies.

The event featured Chief Guest CHRP. Margaret Nguu, the acting CEO of HRMPEB, expressed a strong interest in fostering collaboration with JKUAT, recognizing it as a registered Certifide Human Resource Professionals (CHRP) Centre, suitable for various projects and accredited programs. She highlighted the significance of certification within the human resource field and advocated for a representative who would act as a CHRP ambassador at JKUAT to promote professionalism and effective marketing.

“As the organisation responsible for developing the Human Resource (HR) curriculum and certifying HR professionals, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. This will effectively address the skills gap by linking academic training to industry requirements,” urged CHRP. Nguu.

Moreover, she noted that obtaining certifications not only adds value to professionals but also carries international recognition, thereby enabling individuals to showcase their competencies in a global context. Events organized by HRMPEB were highlighted as excellent opportunities for networking with industry leaders, offering insights into the expectations and standards of the profession.

Eunice Wanjiru, the president of JKHRSA, conveyed her optimism for the association’s future growth through student engagement in mentorship programs, training, and various events. She aspires to foster a culture of pride and excellence among HR students. Wanjiru also extended her gratitude to Dr. Rebeccah Maina, the association’s patron, and the alumni from the class of 2024 for their role in coming up with this valuable initiative stating that the JKUAT Human Resource Students Association stands poised to make a lasting impact on the professional development of its members.

During the launch, Dr. Karanja Kabare, representing the Principal of COHRED, Prof. Florence Mwaura, welcomed all attendees and expressed appreciation for their participation. As a specialist in human resource management, he commended the formation of the association as a significant advancement for both students and faculty.

“We look forward to partnering with the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB) and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM). This collaboration will facilitate students and staff in undertaking necessary examinations for certification, enhancing their professional standing,” stated Prof. Kabare.

He further emphasized the mutual benefits of this collaboration, noting that it will provide students with practical exposure that complements their academic learning. This approach is designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

 The event featured representatives from IHRM, Influential, Bamburi Cement, and JCVs, who underscored the importance of continuous skill development, particularly in soft skills such as communication, as well as the significance of personal branding and visibility in the workplace.