IHRM, EACC partner to embed ethics in workplaces

The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) aimed at strengthening ethical conduct and integrity in Kenyan workplaces.

IHRM National Chairman Philip Dalmas Odero said the partnership marks a decisive step in positioning human resource professionals at the centre of preventive governance.

“Today’s signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a declaration that the human resource profession in Kenya has taken a bold role in strengthening ethical practice across our workplaces,” said Odero.

He noted that the collaboration comes at a time when Kenya continues to face complex governance challenges that cannot be addressed through investigations and sanctions alone.

“Ethics cannot be enforced solely through sanctions. It must be embedded in systems, structures and organisational culture, and at the very centre of those systems is the human resource function,” he said.

Odero said the agreement aligns with IHRM’s vision of promoting ethical, people-centric HR professionals, stressing that integrity is fundamental to the credibility and authority of the profession.

A key component of the partnership is the rollout of a jointly developed Ethics in Human Resource Management Curriculum, which will guide HR practitioners on ethical leadership, corruption reporting mechanisms, conflict of interest management, disciplinary processes and ethical decision-making.

“This curriculum is comprehensive, practical and responsive to current governance realities. It represents preventive governance at its best,” Odero said.

Under the agreement, IHRM will integrate ethics training into its Continuous Professional Development programmes, sensitise HR practitioners in both the public and private sectors, and strengthen enforcement of ethical standards under its regulatory mandate.

On behalf of the IHRM Council, Odero reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to ensuring the partnership delivers measurable impact.

“This is the beginning of structured implementation. We will provide the necessary policy support and institutional backing to make this collaboration successful,” he said.

He thanked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for the partnership, saying it demonstrates that ethics is not an abstract ideal but a professional obligation.

The collaboration is expected to enhance workplace governance by empowering HR professionals to serve as frontline custodians of integrity and accountability within organisations.