Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo Addressing delegates during the 29th Annual National Conference of the Institute of Human Resources in Naivasha on November 2, 2025. Photo by Odhiambo Odhiambo. 
By Odhiambo Odhiambo
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has called for a fundamental shift in how organizations manage human capital, urging leaders to prioritize long-term strategic goals and leverage the potential of Generation Z to boost productivity and sustainability.
Addressing delegates during the 29th Annual National Conference of the Institute of Human Resources in Naivasha, Owalo highlighted Gen Z — the first truly digital generation — as a transformative force in modern workplaces. He said this cohort brings new expectations centered on authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven engagement.
“Organizations must tap into their energy, agility, and mindset,” Owalo said. “But that requires a new approach to leadership and human resource management.”
He criticized the interference of short-term political interests in corporate governance, warning that Kenya’s economic progress stands at risk unless leaders move away from politicized decision-making and toward performance-based strategies.
“Boards must be guided by long-term goals that link outputs to outcomes and impact,” he emphasized.
Owalo also championed the adoption of Diversity, Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Belonging (DIEB) principles, arguing that strategic HR must evolve to align with Gen Z’s values.
“This generation thrives on collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Rigid cultures and poorly managed change will only alienate them,” he noted.
Addressing what he termed “the politics of people,” Owalo acknowledged the informal power dynamics present within organizations but insisted that when rooted in integrity, political skill can become a tool for positive change.
“Leaders must be politically astute, culturally sensitive, and emotionally mature,” he added. “People, not systems, are the true drivers of success.”
