HR policies in Kenya

Beginning with the colonial rule and following through independence, Kenya has a long history of lack of autonomy within its politics and economy. Added to this is the shortage of resources of education, lack of stable economy, high birth rate and the devastating influence of HIV/AIDS. In the last two decades however, HR policies in Kenya have been revised and restructured and is assigned a key role in elevating the economic condition of the country and its people. The government policies in the recent years have also been made smoother to encourage foreign firms to develop their branches in Kenya. These companies have mostly hit sectors like IT, education, retail and outsourcing. The current HR policies in Kenya have been described below:

Recruitment Policy in Kenya
The company believes that to ensure continuous success of the organization there is a need to select the best person for the job. The recruitment policies in Kenya follows an effective program which identifies competencies, experience and qualification required to undertake the job. Particular care is also taken to avoid nepotism in all recruitments. Non – citizens are allowed to engage at any level only after prior authority from the Managing Director and the Department of Immigration. The permission from the authority of the Managing Director will also be required before the renewal of all the existing work permits and contracts for non – citizens. Applicants who have relatives already working in the company are generally eligible for the job. The recruitment policy can be broadly divided under three heads:

• External Sources of Recruitment – this includes recruitments from different consultants and agencies and recruitments from different universities and colleges as management trainees.
• Staff – this includes fixed terms and temporary employees from time to time as the need arises.
• Induction Process - in this process new employees whose relative is working in the company is induced.
  
  Termination Policies
  There are certain codes and rules that is followed both by the company and the employee at the time of termination. In the amendments of the last year, health reasons have been omitted as a cause of termination. Complete disability has been stated as the only cause for termination. Prolonged absence without any prior notification or for an unreasonable excuse is also regarded as a valid ground for termination. Working in the office in a state of intoxication can lead to termination as well. The employer has to pay the salary for fifteen days at the time of termination and vice versa
  
  Pension and other social security benefits
  The pension department in Kenya operates under the Ministry of Finance and Administration. The pension departments aims to ensure efficient, effective and timely payment of pensions, gratuities and other benefits to retired employees of Kenyan Public Service. The Kenyan government also pays pensions and other benefits to deceased or terminated officers in the Public Service as well as to their dependents and legal representatives.