Building Towards A Sustainable Workforce - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*HR students during the HR career summit talk.*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), through its College of Human Resource and Development (COHRED) and the Department of Human Resource, held the JKUAT Human Resource Students’ Association (JKUHRSA) Career Summit on March 19, 2025.

Held under the theme “Alumni Insights for Professional Growth,” the summit brought together human resource (HR) students from JKUAT and other universities, along with a panel of seasoned professionals representing diverse sectors within the HR field.

The summit served as a dynamic platform for discussions on career pathways in human resources, professional networking, overcoming challenges in HR practice, and essential future-ready skills for HR professionals.

Guest speaker Mr. Kigen Evans, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Management University of Africa, stressed the importance of communication and technological proficiency for HR students.

*The panelists empowered the students with invaluable advice during the eye-opening career talk.*

He emphasized that such skills are particularly critical during internship and attachment periods, as they help students adapt to real-world HR settings and improve workplace performance.

Mr. Evans also underscored the rising importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in HR, stating that familiarity with AI tools can boost students’ digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills all essential for modern HR practice.

Dr. Rebecca Maina, Patron of JKUHRSA, urged students to remain disciplined, academically committed, and actively network with both peers and professionals to build a strong presence in the HR industry.

“As an HR student, I strongly encourage my fellow students to take their work seriously and stay engaged with what the lecturers are teaching in class. It’s important to follow along with the curriculum and remain proactive in your learning,” said Dr. Maina.

Eunice Wanjiru, a third-year HR student and Chairperson of JKUHRSA, described the summit as “an incredibly educative experience,” noting that it highlighted the value of networking, discipline, and consistency in academic and professional development.