Information, Communications and Digital Economy CS, Eliud Owalo, Wednesday challenged Human Resource leaders in the country to play a leading role in the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He spoke at a breakfast reception in his honor, hosted by the Institute of Human Resource Management, in Nairobi.
He told HR practitioners that the global community was on the verge of a new brave world.
“It is the world of automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of things, among others,” he said.
“Digital technology is changing the way we do old things, and at the same time bringing up new things to be done. We must reimagine the future and reengineer ourselves for it. We must be predictive and create our own spaces, into and in, that future.”
In the emerging new world where digital technology is the engine, fuel and driver of work and life, he challenged HR leaders to reflect on what they are doing today going to fit in the brave new digital world.
“This is the question every one must ask. The question is even more relevant for HR practitioners. How is the workforce you have transforming itself with the technology?”
“As an HR practitioner, are you awake to the transformation that is taking place, or are you sleeping in the middle of a revolution? How are you preparing your people to migrate your firm into the new brave tomorrow? Will you be a part of the Internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation?”
Owalo advised HR leaders and managers not to fear change, but instead embrace the right attitude toward change.
“You are now leading younger people, some of whom are more intelligent than you. Give them room to be innovative,” the CS said.
Also present were IHRM National Chairman- CHRP Odero, Phillip Dalmas, IHRM Council Members Present, Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board Members,
IHRM Executive Director- CHRP Quresha Abdullahi, Fellows of the Institutes, Chief Executive Officers and Captains of Industry.