Phillip Kello Harsama, CBS, is an accomplished public administrator with extensive experience in public policy, strategic leadership, programme management, and public service delivery. He is a recipient of the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), one of Kenya’s highest national honours, awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the nation.
He holds a Master of Public Administration and Policy from Tsinghua University and a Bachelor of Education from Moi University. He has also undertaken specialized professional training in Advanced Public Administration and Strategic Leadership at the Kenya School of Government, Corporate Governance for Senior Officers, and Para-Military Training at the Administration Police Training College.
Mr. Harsama has built a distinguished career in public service spanning several decades, rising through the ranks of the National Government Administration. He served as District Officer in Meru, Makueni, Narok, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, and Baringo, before being appointed District Commissioner in Kajiado and Loitokitok. He subsequently served as County Commissioner for Kajiado County, where he provided leadership in public administration, security coordination, and government service delivery.
He has also held senior leadership positions in national government institutions, including serving as Secretary Administration and later Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, where he spearheaded key reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, regulation, and growth within the agricultural sector.
Mr. Harsama previously served as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Crop Development and the State Department for (ASALs) and Regional Development. In these roles, he played a pivotal role in strengthening agricultural systems, advancing food security, enhancing drought resilience, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
Currently serving as Principal Secretary for Petroleum, Mr. Harsama provides strategic leadership in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of policies, programmes, and reforms aimed at advancing Kenya’s petroleum sector. He is focused on strengthening energy security, promoting sustainable resource management, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring the sector contributes effectively to national economic growth and transformation.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, complemented by extensive expertise in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, public financial management, and institutional governance. His professional commitment remains centred on strengthening public institutions, enhancing accountability, and improving service delivery for citizens.
Driven by a deep commitment to public service, Mr. Harsama is passionate about contributing to the realization of a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation where citizens enjoy a high quality of life, sustainable economic opportunities, and shared prosperity.