Kenneth Okal
Human Resource Professional
Nairobi
Summary
Senior Human Resource Officer leading recruitment, employee relations, and performance management across a large workforce. Reduced time-to-fill by 15%, strengthened grievance handling and compliance, and improved productivity through staff mapping and workforce optimization. Also guided wellness initiatives and HR reporting that supported engagement and operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Human Resource Officer
Farmer’s Choice Limited
04.2026 - Current
- Led full-cycle recruitment and talent acquisition, reducing time-to-fill by 15% and improving quality of hires
- Managed employee relations, handling grievances, disciplinary processes, and strengthening workplace culture
- Designed and implemented performance management systems, including KPIs and appraisal frameworks
- Drove learning and development initiatives, enhancing employee capability and retention
- Oversaw compensation and benefits structures, ensuring competitiveness and internal equity.
- Ensured compliance with labour laws and HR policies, minimizing organizational risk
- Streamlined HR operations and systems, improving efficiency through data-driven reporting
- Led a comprehensive staff mapping and workforce optimization exercise across departments, improving productivity, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
- Directed employee engagement and organizational development initiatives, improving morale and alignment
- Promoted health, safety, and employee wellbeing, including leading the Wellness Champions Program in designing and presenting staff wellness initiatives to senior management, resulting in enhanced employee wellbeing and engagement
Human Resource Officer
Farmer’s Choice Limited
09.2023 - 03.2026
- Oversees end-to-end recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and ensuring timely hiring aligned with organizational needs.
- Creates and implements HR policies and procedures to maintain compliance with labor laws and organizational standards.
- Conducts employee onboarding programs and coordinates training initiatives to enhance workforce productivity and engagement.
- Handles employee relations issues, resolves conflicts, and manages staff welfare programs. Acts as a liaison between management and employees to foster a positive work environment.
- Participates in analyzing and negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to ensure fair and compliant labor practices.
- Maintains accurate employee records and HR databases for compliance, reporting, and decision-making purposes.
- Ensures adherence to occupational health and safety regulations, including managing work injury claims and promoting workplace safety.
- Administers disciplinary and grievance procedures, ensuring fairness and compliance with organizational policies.
- Provides employees and prospective hires with clear information on policies, job duties, compensation, benefits, and career progression.
- Collects and process monthly payroll documents, and ensure timely submission to the payroll manager.
- Experienced in BSC performance management approach, leading the strategic and smart goal settings, training and overseeing the performance review processes quarterly.
Assistant Human Resource
Lauren International
01.2020 - 08.2023
- Assists in sourcing candidates, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and coordinating communication between applicants and hiring managers. Helps maintain applicant-tracking systems for compliance and efficiency.
- Facilitates new employee orientation by preparing documentation, explaining company policies, and ensuring smooth integration.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date employee files, including personal details, contracts, and performance records. Ensures compliance with data protection and labor regulations.
- Supports the HR team in rolling out policies and procedures. Communicates updates to staff and ensures adherence to organizational standards.
- Coordinates training sessions, tracks attendance, and manages feedback collection. Assists in identifying skill gaps and scheduling relevant programs.
- Acts as a first point of contact for basic employee queries and concerns. Helps resolve minor workplace issues and escalates complex matters to senior HR staff.
- Collects and verifies attendance data, assists in processing payroll, and supports benefits enrollment. Ensures employees understand available benefits and deadlines.
- Leading both Fairtrade and Kenya Flower council audits as the company contact person – held the position of Fairtrade Officer while at Lauren International.
Education
Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP-K) - undefined
College of Human Resources Management
Nairobi01-2024
Bachelor of Science - Agribusiness Management
University of Embu
01-2019
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - undefined
Boma Boys’ School
01-2014
Skills
Talent acquisition
Employee relations
Performance management
Recruitment strategy
Organizational development
Succession planning
Labor law compliance
HR systems
Workforce planning
Compensation and benefits
HR analytics
Headcount planning
Disciplinary procedures
Policy implementation
HRIS administration
Affiliations
Practicing Member of Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) – registration No. 20513.
Certification
Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP-K), College of Human Resources Management, Nairobi
Timeline
Senior Human Resource Officer
Farmer’s Choice Limited
04.2026 - Current
Human Resource Officer
Farmer’s Choice Limited
09.2023 - 03.2026
Assistant Human Resource
Lauren International
01.2020 - 08.2023
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - undefined
Boma Boys’ School
Bachelor of Science - Agribusiness Management
University of Embu
Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP-K) - undefined
College of Human Resources Management