The University of Hargeisa has taken another important step toward strengthening international academic and professional partnerships through a follow-up and technical discussion meeting with the Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB) in Kenya. The engagement focused on advancing institutional accreditation, expanding professional certification opportunities, and strengthening human resource management education and professional development in Somaliland and the wider region.
HRMPEB is a Kenyan professional examinations body responsible for assessing and certifying human resource management professionals. The Board plays an important role in promoting professional competence, maintaining certification standards, and supporting the development of qualified human resource practitioners.
The University of Hargeisa delegation was represented by Dr. Fekadu Y. Maru, Dean of the College of Business, Economics and Statistics (BEST), and Mr. Abdiqathar Rashid Kulmie, Coordinator of Partnerships and External Relations.
The discussions focused on the technical requirements, accreditation procedures, institutional readiness, and subsequent steps necessary for the University of Hargeisa to become an HRMPEB-accredited institution and an official examination centre for human resource management professionals in Somaliland and neighboring countries.
Establishing such a partnership would create opportunities for HR practitioners, students, graduates, and working professionals to access recognized professional examinations and certification pathways closer to home.
The proposed accreditation would also strengthen the relationship between academic qualifications and professional certification standards, supporting the development of highly competent human resource professionals equipped to meet evolving organizational and industry demands.
The prospective collaboration reflects the University of Hargeisa’s commitment to enhancing the quality, relevance, and practical application of its academic and professional programs.
By pursuing institutional accreditation with HRMPEB, the University seeks to broaden opportunities for professional qualifications, promote continuous professional development, and strengthen the competencies of human resource practitioners across public and private sector organizations.
The initiative also aims to bridge the gap between university education and professional practice by creating stronger connections between academic learning, industry expectations, and professional assessment standards.
If successfully established, the proposed examination centre would contribute to improving access to professional HR certification opportunities in Somaliland and potentially serve professionals from neighboring countries.
In addition to the engagement with HRMPEB, the University of Hargeisa delegation held discussions with experts from Strathmore University in Kenya to explore potential areas of future academic and professional cooperation.
The discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration in Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management, executive education, and other professional development programs.
These potential areas of cooperation provide a foundation for exploring initiatives that enhance academic capacity, promote knowledge exchange, strengthen industry-oriented education, and expand professional learning opportunities.
The engagement further reflects the University’s efforts to develop strategic relationships with regional higher education institutions and professional organizations that share a commitment to academic quality, professional excellence, and institutional development.
The meetings represent another step in the University of Hargeisa’s broader efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and expand its engagement with internationally recognized academic and professional institutions.
By pursuing professional accreditation and exploring partnerships in business education and workforce development, the University aims to create opportunities that respond to emerging labor market needs while supporting the professional advancement of students, graduates, and practitioners.
Through these engagements, the University of Hargeisa reaffirms its commitment to connecting academic knowledge with professional excellence, enhancing employability and workforce competencies, and advancing meaningful regional partnerships that contribute to sustainable institutional and socioeconomic development.
