By Eddah Waithaka
The Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB) has officially released the results of the first-ever Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) examinations conducted through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.
The landmark announcement, made during a ceremony in Nairobi, marks the culmination of a rigorous year-long assessment process that ran from September 2025 to August 2026. The event was presided over by the Chief Guest, Prof. Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
Speaking at the event, the HRMPEB Chief Executive Officer Margaret Nguu hailed the occasion as a historic milestone for the board and the HR profession in Kenya.
“This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of our key stakeholders,” Nguu stated, acknowledging the support of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), which provided external quality assurance, and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM).
A Rigorous Path to Certification
The board emphasized that the RPL pathway is not an easier alternative to traditional examinations but a rigorous, competency-based assessment route. HRMPEB developed specialized tools, including a Logbook, Performance Criteria, and Marking Schemes to evaluate the practical workplace experience of candidates.
“We have been deliberate in ensuring that RPL does not provide an easier route to CHRP qualification. Rather, it provides an alternative route to demonstrating competence,” Nguu added, noting that the process integrated strict principles of fairness, objectivity, and confidentiality.
Performance Highlights
A total of 25 candidates pioneered the cohort, comprising 12 males (48%) and 13 females (52%). The results revealed strong performance in strategic and development-oriented subjects.
Human Resource Development (RCHRP 09) recorded the highest mean score at 77.25, followed closely by Performance Management and Productivity (RCHRP 10) at 75.45, and Employee Resourcing (RCHP 05) at 74.7.
The results also highlighted areas requiring attention. Accounting and Financial Management (RCHP 03) recorded a mean score of 61.25, while Research Methods for HR Practitioners (RCHRP 12) and HR Management Information Systems (RCHRP 06) both scored a mean of 65.5.
Notably, Human Resource Management (RCHP 01) recorded a mean score of 0, a statistical anomaly the board is expected to address in its detailed report.
Aligning with Competency-Based Education
The release comes at a critical time as Kenya prepares to transition fully to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The first cohort of Grade 10 learners under CBE will join tertiary institutions within the next two years.
“At HRMPEB, we took this emerging shift towards competency-based learning into consideration,” Nguu noted. “The tools were therefore designed to assess not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills, competencies, and workplace experience acquired by candidates.”
A Message to the Pioneers
Addressing the candidates, the board offered high praise for their role in validating workplace learning.
“You are therefore not merely recipients of examination results today. You are pioneers. You have opened a new pathway for many experienced HR professionals who may wish to have their competencies formally recognized,” the CEO said.
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Guest, Prof. Jane Imbunya, delivering her remarks, officially validating the results and ushering in a new era of professional certification in Kenya.
