Human resource audit practices among the government ministries in Kenya

Abstract

Human Resources are the most critical inputs in successful organizations, the real source of competitive advantage. Human resource issues have therefore, become central to the deliberations on performance seeking answers to the organizations growth and development. The objective of the study was to establish the Human Resource Audit practices among the Government Ministries in Kenya. This was a descriptive survey. The target population of the study was the forty two (42) Government Ministries in Kenya. Both the primary and secondary sources of data were used to obtain information for the study. Primary data was obtained through a questionnaire. Secondary data concerning Human Resource Audit was obtained from Human Resource Audit Manual (2006) and Human Resource Inspection Audit Reports of Government Ministries/Departments PSCK (2007/2008). The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The respondents were the Heads of the Human Resource Management departments in the respective Ministries who are directly involved in the Human Resource Audit. Descriptive statistics such as the mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages were used. Gathered information was presented by use of tables, graphs and charts to allow quick interpretation. Qualitative data was used to validate and qualify the quantitative results. The study concludes that all ministries carried out human resource audits. The human resource audits are carried out on a bi - annual basis or on a yearly basis. The study further concludes that Human Resource Audits among the Government Ministries in Kenya covered Implementation of Public Service Commission Decisions and Regulations, Implementation of Ministerial Human Resource, Implementation of Ministry of State for Public Service circular, Confirmation in Appointment, Discipline issues, Compliance with Human Resource practices in the Code of Regulations, Recruitment/Appointment/Secondment and Promotion procedures. The study further concludes that human resource audits led to various benefits. The study recommends that for Government Ministries in Kenya to improve their human resource audits, there is need for regular auditing.