Rédaction Africa Links 24 with DAVIS AYEGA
Published on 2024-02-21 09:35:20
Human resource professionals are facing increasing challenges in the recruitment process due to the proliferation of job seekers with fake academic credentials. Margaret Kinyanjui, the Principal of the College of Human Resource Management, has emphasized the need for thorough due diligence and background checks in response to the rise of workplace fraudsters.
In a recent interview on the Capital in the Morning Show, Kinyanjui highlighted the necessity of addressing this issue promptly to prevent both private and public sectors from being flooded with fraudulent individuals. A report from the Public Service Commission (PSC) revealed that over 2,000 public servants are holding forged academic and professional qualifications, indicating the severity of the problem.
“If you are a self-respecting HR professional, you should follow the right rules in the recruitment process,” Kinyanjui said, signaling the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the hiring of employees. She further expressed regret over the significant presence of fraudsters in the workforce, emphasizing that such occurrences could have been prevented through thorough scrutiny by human resource personnel responsible for overseeing the recruitment process.
The report from the PSC stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2022, focusing on multiple ministries, state departments, and semi-autonomous government agencies. Kinyanjui called for HR professionals to conduct comprehensive background checks to verify credentials, suggesting that organizations specializing in the checks can be outsourced for assistance.
She noted that the employment of fraudsters is often attributed to line managers lacking sufficient skills within the human resources departments. This emphasizes the need for ongoing training and professional development for those involved in the recruitment process.
In response to the situation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is already conducting investigations on the individuals involved in the possession of fake credentials, with a focus on recovering unlawfully acquired assets and gains. Additionally, those implicated in the fraudulent activities will be deprived of any benefits, including pensions, allowances, or leave.
Kinyanjui also commended the vigilance of human resource professionals who have graduated from the College of Human Resource Management, highlighting the effectiveness of the skills they have acquired in detecting and eliminating fraudsters during the recruitment process. She explained that a majority of HR practitioners in leading companies across the country have completed certification programs at the college and remain vigilant in their recruitment practices.
Since 2014, Kinyanjui has led the institution with a commitment to nurturing human capital essential for proficient people management in both the public and private sectors of the economy. The college, founded in 1997, has played a vital role in producing skilled HR professionals who are equipped to address contemporary challenges in the field.
As the issue of fake academic credentials continues to pose a threat to the integrity of the workforce, the call for robust background checks and due diligence in the hiring process is increasingly urgent. It is essential for human resource professionals and organizations to prioritize the verification of credentials and qualifications to maintain the credibility and legitimacy of their workforce.
Read the original article on Africa News 24
