Kenya’s Quresha Abdullahi appointed East Africa HR Federation first president

Kenya's Quresha Abdullahi has been appointed as the first President of the East Africa HR Federation, a newly established organization dedicated to strengthening human resource practices throughout the East African Community. Abdullahi, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) Kenya, assumed the role at the 2nd Africa Human Resource Summit (AHRS 2026), held in Arusha, Tanzania.

The federation aims to deepen regional cooperation and harmonize professional standards across the partner states.

Speaking at the summit, National Chairman Odero Phillip Dalmas of the International Human Resource Management Council commended Abdullahi's appointment, acknowledging the remarkable standing the country's HR profession has achieved within the region. Dalmas assured delegates of Kenya's ongoing collaboration with other associations across the continent as the federation takes shape.

Kenya has been recognized for its progress, having established a statutory foundation through the Human Resource Management Professionals Act, Cap 538, which sets the legal framework for HR practice in the country. This legislation has accelerated professionalization across various organizations and industries in Kenya. The AHRS 2026, organized by the Tanzania HR and Administration Professionals Association (THRAPA) and powered by the Africa HR Confederation (AHRC), brought together HR leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across African nations.

The theme of the summit, "Transforming Africa's Workforce for the Future," reflects the platform's role as the continent's primary forum for shaping the future of work. By moving from individual national conversations to a shared continental agenda, the AHRS 2026 aims to advance Africa's HR community as a whole.