Strategic Human Resources Development at the University of Nairobi

Abstract

In this fast developing world technological development is rapid and knowledge and the skills and expertise held by the workforce can fast become obsolete. The training department within an organization is effectively responsible for providing the workforce with a great deal for its up to date knowledge and skills for promoting creativity and helping the workforce towards a common goal as defined by the organization’s mission statement This study set out to examine Strategic Human Resources Development at the University Of Nairobi. The main objective was to determine the extent to which strategic human resource development is practiced at the institution. The study was carried using the case study design. Data was collected using an interview guide which was administered through face to face interviewing .The sample size for the study was 3 managers in the university HRD unit. The results were tabulated for ease of comparison and interpretation of the findings. The data that was collected was entirely primary which was inform of quality thus prompting the researcher to use content analysis to analyze the data. From the findings of the study it is clear that the University of Nairobi has a fully fledged human resources development unit which has been in operation for the last 20 years. Secondly the ISO certification of the university as well as competition from other universities has also influenced its HRD strategies.Despite the existence of the unit, there are no documented HRD guidelines or policies that govern the day to day HRD activities, there’s also lack of a HRD audit system., needs assessment is not done regularly due to various challenges in the unit. In conclusion, it is clear that for HRD strategies to be a success in any organizations, there should be frequent needs assessment, HRD auditing. Organizations should have a proactive approach towards human resources development..