Uasin Gishu County governor Jonathan Bii has announced the appointment of Philip Meli Matelong as the new County Secretary and Head of Public Service, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the County Public Service Board. Matelong, 52, takes over from Edwin Bett and is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the role, bolstering the county's administration and public service management.
Matelong’s appointment comes after an extensive selection exercise, underscoring the importance of competence and experience in the leadership of the county. Until his new role, Matelong served as the economic advisor to Governor Jonathan Bii, a position that enabled him to shape economic policy and initiatives for the county.
A graduate of the University of Nairobi, Matelong’s professional background includes roles such as the marketing manager at Kass Media Group and Jamii Telecom, where he honed his skills in strategic communications and leadership. Additionally, he previously served as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade and Entrepreneurship during Governor Jackson Mandago's administration between 2013 and 2017.
His career has been marked by significant achievements in people management, problem-solving, and navigating complex issues with a steady hand. Matelong is noted for his ability to manage public service dynamics, handle controversies, and guide teams towards effective solutions—skills that are expected to serve him well in his new position.
As County Secretary, Matelong will now take on a central role at the "House of the Watch" (Gotab Sait), overseeing the smooth operation of Uasin Gishu’s public service sector. His leadership is anticipated to play a critical part in the administration of county affairs and in implementing policies that align with the aspirations of the county’s residents.
Governor Jonathan Bii expressed confidence in Matelong’s ability to steer the county's public service towards greater efficiency and effectiveness, noting his vast experience in both the public and private sectors. With Matelong at the helm, Uasin Gishu County looks forward to a period of steady governance and progressive growth.