NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 14 – A government directive requiring Human Resource practitioners to undertake professional certification has driven a surge in enrolment for the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) examinations.
The Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB) recorded its highest-ever candidature in the August 2026 examination series, with 2,143 candidates sitting for the CHRP, CBET Diploma and Craft Certificate examinations.
The candidature was higher than that recorded in the April 2026 examination series and marked the highest number of candidates in a single examination sitting since the establishment of HRMPEB.
CHRP accounted for the largest share, with 1,835 candidates sitting examinations across Parts I, II and III.
The increase follows a circular by the Principal Secretary directing HR practitioners to take up the CHRP programme, reinforcing professional certification and continuous learning in the management of human resources.
HRMPEB Board Chairperson Commissioner Abdiwahab Abdi said the Board has introduced reforms to make the qualification more accessible and flexible.
The reforms include increasing examination sittings from two to three annually and awarding certificates for completed parts.
The Board has also introduced Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing experienced HR practitioners, particularly those with at least 15 years of experience, to pursue CHRP certification through assessment of their existing competencies.
The record candidature points to growing demand for professional certification as the Government moves to strengthen professional standards in HR practice.
HRMPEB said its reforms are intended to give practitioners more opportunities to acquire and demonstrate the competencies required to manage people and organisations effectively.
