Peter Khakaba

Results-driven and strategic Human Resource professional with seven years of progressive HR experience, including five years in senior HR leadership roles within corporate and luxury hospitality environments. Demonstrated expertise in HR Leadership, Operations, payroll administration, Employee relations &

Experience (EVPs), Talent acquisition, Learning and Development, Performance Management, Industrial relations including Unions, and HR policy implementation. Proven ability to align people strategies with business objectives, ensure compliance with Kenyan labour laws, and build high-performing, service-oriented teams that drive operational excellence.

Certified Human Resource

Professional (CHRP-III) and a Member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM), recognized for strong leadership, and delivering measurable people and business results.

HR & L&D Manager at Sebai Luxury Suites (2026-01 – Present)

Pre-opening HR set-up of 4-star Hotel (Recruitment, policy formulation, culture & standards, induction, and training in line with the hotel's vision and mission). Also performed Duty Manager roles and acted as Operations Manager in absence of GM.

• Coordinate end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, and maintenance of employee records for a new 78-strong luxury property workforce.
• Formulate and enforce HR policies and training standards across all departments.
• Manage payroll administration, statutory remittances, and filings.
• Enforce Employee Values Propositions (EVPs), employee relations, staff welfare, and disciplinary processes.
• Ensure HR administrative efficiency and compliance with employment laws and company policies.
• Coordinate and facilitate staff training programs, induction, and development initiatives.
• Lead performance management processes, including appraisals and employee development.
• Create and maintain HR reports, HR forms, documentation, and personnel data.
• Promote workplace health, safety, and employee engagement initiatives in line with OSHA, DOSH, and WIBA.
• Provide general HR support and assist management in implementing HR policies and people management strategies.
• Oversee the day-to-day hotel operations and ensure smooth coordination across all departments during assigned shifts.
• Deliver exceptional guest service by resolving guest complaints, handling special requests, and ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, and operational facilities to maintain five-star standards.
• Coordinate Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Engineering, and Security teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Prepare and submit Daily Duty Manager's Reports at the end of shifts, highlighting operational performance, guest feedback, and key incidents.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), health and safety regulations, and brand standards.
• Act as the General Manager's representative during assigned shifts, making operational decisions and handling emergencies as required.

Unit Human Resources & Training Lead at Sarova Hotels (CBK) (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Reported to the Group CHRO. Achievement: Recruitment, HR pre-opening set-up, training, and induction for the unit.

• Managed payroll and HR administration for a workforce of 159 Staff plus Casual, ensuring accurate, timely processing of salaries, benefits, and employee records.
• Implemented and monitored HR policy and compliance in line with organizational standards and employment law.
• Managed HR budgets, including P&L reviews and resource allocation.
• Promoted a positive work environment, handling grievances and strengthening employee engagement.
• Supported development of competitive compensation and benefits structures to attract and retain talent.
• Ran end-to-end recruitment and talent acquisition to secure qualified, high-performing staff.
• Built stakeholder relationships with regulatory bodies, external partners, and service providers.
• Conducted training needs analysis to identify skill gaps across Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Kitchen, and Laundry.
• Developed and delivered training on customer service, communication, grooming, leadership, and technical skills.
• Facilitated onboarding and induction training to instill brand culture and service standards.
• Promoted service excellence by aligning staff performance with luxury hospitality and guest experience standards.
• Ensured compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and hospitality regulations.
• Monitored training effectiveness through assessments, guest feedback, and performance reviews.
• Supported employee development, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Collaborated with department heads, management, and external trainers to align training with operational goals.

Human Resource Coordinator at Sarova Panafric Hotel (2022-09 – 2024-12)

Reported to the Cluster HR Manager (Sarova Stanley & Sarova Panafric). Also performed Duty Manager roles.

• Successfully trained staff on and implemented HRMS systems across the unit.
• Cross-trained and cross-deployed as Hotel Assistant Manager / Duty Manager in Front Office.
• Managed payroll, statutory deductions (PAYE, NSSF, NHIF, levies), and casual staff payments for a workforce of 248.
• Drove appraisal processes, talent development, and competency analysis with line managers.
• Supported HR policy review, implementation, and compliance monitoring.
• Oversaw recruitment, Selection and exit processes: job adverts, shortlisting, onboarding, background checks, and exit interviews.
• Addressed grievances, maintained staff records, and facilitated quarterly departmental meetings.
• Coordinated training calendars, wellness programs, Sarova GO1 Academy utilization (Online learning platform), TOTs, and cross-exposure initiatives.
• Ensured WIBA/DOSH compliance, managed injury reporting, and compensation processes.
• Supervise daily hotel operations.
• Ensure guest satisfaction and resolve complaints.
• Oversee staff performance and shift coordination.
• Handle VIP arrivals and special requests.
• Monitor safety, security, and emergency procedures.
• Approve room changes, upgrades, or discounts.
• Conduct hotel walk-throughs and inspections.
• Prepare and submit shift reports.
• Assisted with planning and execution of outside catering (OC) events such as Statehouse events, VVIP, CEOs and African Presidents and senior dignitaries' summits conferences.

HR & Admin Officer at Ice Clean Care Group Company Ltd (2022-01 – 2022-08)

Reported to the Operations Manager with dotted line to Managing Director. Owned end-to-end HR operations and compliance.

• Managed recruitment of staff; including drafting job descriptions, conducting interviews, and overseeing induction.
• Processed monthly payroll, resolved discrepancies, and ensured timely statutory filing (NSSF, NHIF, PAYE, VAT) for a workforce of 750 allocated in different organizations.
• Maintained accurate staff records, managed online leave tracking, and prepared exit documentation.
• Coordinated appraisals, drafted performance agreements, and provided monthly HR reports for management decisions.
• Drafted HR policies, handled grievances, and managed occupational injury claims (DOSH/WIBA).
• Liaised with external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labor, NITA, DOSH, HELB, and IHRM.
• Performed training initiatives, facilitated HR calls with clients and staff, and ensured adherence to health and safety SOPs.

HR Assistant at Simba Apparel Ltd (2018-01 – 2021-12)

Reporting to the HR Manager.

• Managed timely payroll processing and employee benefit schemes for a workforce of 1,200.
• Generated manpower and daily operational reports for the production department.
• Oversaw leave management and overtime calculations using Excel and ERP systems.
• Supported disciplinary hearings, prepared HR documents (appointments, promotions, transfers), and coordinated onboarding for new hires, interns, and attaches.
• Handled occupational safety and health claims (DOSH/WIBA) and ensured compliance with statutory requirements.
• Assisted in welfare and compliance activities, maintained discipline, and provided clerical/administrative support to the HR directorate.

HR Intern then Apprentice at Ashton EPZ Ltd (2017-05 – 2017-12)

• Assisted in payroll computation, manpower reporting, and overtime calculations.
• Utilized the Atrico ERP system for HR functions and managed biometric attendance systems.
• Supported recruitment, onboarding, and HR documentation (contracts, warning letters, audits).
• Took minutes, prepared reports, and helped resolve production-related conflicts.
• Perform HRD Filing and clerical works.

Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Entrepreneurship & Management – Murang'a University of Technology (2016-01 – 2020-12)

Short Courses in HRM and Front Office – Sarova Academy – GO1 powered by Harvard University Hospitality Department (2023-01)

Refresher Courses in Talent Management, Cultural Diversity, Revenue Management – Kenya Utalii College (2023-01)