Peter Ongera is an award-winning Kenyan journalist, writer, and social entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in storytelling, fact-checking, and mentoring. Born in rural Kenya in 1972, Ongera’s life has been marked by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for using words to illuminate truths and empower communities. His journey from a village school to international platforms of influence embodies his belief that knowledge and integrity can transform societies.

Growing up in a rural setting, Ongera quickly discovered his entrepreneurial spirit. As a child, he sold sweets and snacks during school holidays to support his education, an experience that instilled in him the values of self-reliance and innovation. At school, he was not only a top student but also a prefect and avid debater, often role-playing as a radio presenter—an early sign of the career that awaited him. These formative years built the foundation for a life dedicated to communication, leadership, and service.

At Egerton University, where he studied philosophy, sociology, and public relations, Ongera broadened his intellectual and creative horizons. He took up peer counselling, reflecting his deep empathy for others, and pursued commercial photography and freelance journalism. By age 22, he was already writing for local outlets while sharpening the critical skills that would later define his work: accuracy, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.

Ongera’s journalism has consistently sought to uncover hidden truths and amplify marginalized voices. His recent projects demonstrate the breadth of his interests and the depth of his impact. In The East African, he reported on the resurgence of “sex-for-fish” transactions on Lake Victoria, exposing how reduced aid flows are pushing women back into risky survival strategies. In Lida Network, his investigative piece “Clothing Financial and Environmental Crimes” revealed how fashion supply chains are tied to illicit trade and environmental degradation. His essays on carbon credits, including “The Global North’s Polluters and the Global South’s Carbon Offset—The African Example," examine climate justice through an African lens. For context, Ongera is currently developing a story on the health crisis facing Nairobi’s waste pickers, sparked by an observation he made while in hospital—an example of how he transforms personal encounters into impactful public interest journalism.

Alongside hard-hitting investigations, Ongera also writes reflective and human-interest pieces. His essay “Why Africans Can Be Found in Every Part of the World,” published on Meer, combines history, personal travel encounters, and cultural analysis to explain Africa’s global footprint. He has also published widely on governance, taxation, illicit financial flows, and the role of technology in empowering marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQI+ communities in Kenya. His writing demonstrates both versatility and depth, weaving policy analysis with lived experience.

Internationally, Ongera has participated in prestigious leadership and journalism programs that have enriched his worldview. He is an alumnus of Japan’s Ship for World Youth, Canada’s Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation, and the Les Aspin Center for Government at Marquette University in the United States. Professionally, he has sharpened his investigative and fact-checking skills with Africa Check in South Africa, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and Internews. These experiences have connected him with global peers and affirmed his role as a champion of credible information and accountable governance.

Beyond journalism, Ongera is the Managing Director of African Homestay and Safaris, an enterprise that promotes African hospitality and entrepreneurship. He is also deeply involved in mentorship, training young reporters and community leaders across Africa. His belief that Africa has the natural and human resources to overcome poverty is not merely rhetorical; it underpins his advocacy for education, technology transfer, and social investment.

Since joining Meer in 2023, Ongera has contributed essays that blend policy insight, cultural reflection, and personal storytelling. Whether unpacking Pope Francis’ prophetic call for justice or exploring the opportunities of AI-driven remote work, his writing consistently challenges readers to think critically about power, inequality, and opportunity.

At heart, Ongera is driven by a vision of a fair and inclusive society. He believes journalism should not only expose wrongs but also inspire solutions. From rural Kenya to global platforms, his voice continues to resonate with clarity, conviction, and compassion.