Dr. Obiero Ong’ang’a, the founder and chairman of Radio Lake Victoria, has passed away at the age of 76. According to his family, he died on August 24, 2024, in Kisumu. Born on November 10, 1947, in Homa Bay County, Dr. Ong’ang’a was a pivotal figure in regional media and environmental conservation.
A Legacy Rooted in Community
Radio Lake Victoria 92.1 FM, established in 2005, is a regional station that serves the entire western Kenya region. Dr. Ong’ang’a’s birth was marked by a unique sense of destiny. According to his family, he was born at Shirati Health Facility on the same day the community mourned the loss of a revered leader, Chief Obiero. In a bid to honor the fallen chief and instill hope for continued leadership, the newborn was named Obiero. This name carried the weight of legacy and expectations.
Educational Journey
Dr. Ong’ang’a’s educational path began at Kiabuya Primary School and Godbura Primary School in Homa Bay County. He attended Tonga Secondary School and later Thika High School for his secondary education. His academic pursuits took him to India, where he earned a Bachelor of Education from Spicer Memorial College, focusing on Education, Botany, and Zoology. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in curriculum development from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s degree in International Administration from the School for International Training in the USA. In 2001, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Washington International University.
A Career Marked by Service and Leadership
Dr. Ong’ang’a’s career was marked by a deep commitment to environmental conservation and community development. From 1998 to 2001, he served as the Executive Chairman of the Regional Council of the East African Communities Organization for the Management of Lake Victoria Resources. He was also a Board Member of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife – Giraffe Centre (2002-2004) and a steering committee member of LakeNet (2001-2007). He further served as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Kenya Wildlife Service from 2008 to 2014.
His most enduring role was as the Executive Director of OSIENALA (Friends of Lake Victoria), where he worked tirelessly from 1999 to promote sustainable development in the Lake Victoria Basin, positively impacting millions of lives across East Africa.
Family and Tributes
Dr. Ong’ang’a was also a dedicated family man, survived by his wife Regina Obiero and their four children—Velma, Brian, Charlotte, and James Paul Miller. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Eliakim Obiero Ong’ang’a, Ira Maisiba, Berry Maisiba, Felix Ong’ang’a, Regina Chitayi Oluoch, Donald Anis Oluoch, Nailah Ong’ang’a, and James Ong’ang’a.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has eulogized Dr. Ong’ang’a as a philanthropist and a champion of economic empowerment. “Dr. Ong’ang’a will be remembered for his immense contribution to media development and dedicated service to the community through the power of community media,” MCK stated. “He will also be remembered as a philanthropist par excellence and an icon of economic empowerment. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.”
His family also highlighted his leadership on the global stage, where he represented Africa in various international environmental forums, advocating for the preservation of natural resources.