The Founders
Some Of The Visionaries Behind Ongata Foundation
The Ongata Foundation is driven by a dynamic team of young professionals who share a profound commitment to the future of Takawiri Island and similar island communities. Our leadership is defined by a unique synergy between deep local roots and specialized external expertise, ensuring that our initiatives are both culturally grounded and professionally rigorous.
We take immense pride in our inclusive governance model.
The Ongata Foundation Board is composed of 60% women and 40% men, reflecting our belief that diverse leadership is essential for creating sustainable and equitable change in society.
A Fusion of Youth, Education, and Experience
What sets our team apart is the impressive balance between academic foundation and years of "on-the-ground" professional practice. Despite being a young team, every member has already spent several years working professionally within the specific sectors they represent.
Michael Onyango Ongata
CHAIRMAN
Clinical health professional from Takawiri Island with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi Campus. He trained at Kenyatta National Hospital and currently serves as Facility In-Charge at Kibuogi Island Health Center. Michael is also the initiator behind the establishment of Takawiri Island's only privately owned medical clinic - a vital initiative supporting the island's large local population, many of whom face financial challenges and cannot afford private health insurance.
Kenjovesto Ongata
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Community leader and development advocate from Takawiri Island. Trained in Plumbing and Water Engineering at Eldoret National Polytechnic, he has coordinated volunteer and cultural exchange programmes since 2018 and champions sustainable island development.
Vallary A. Odhiambo
SECRETARY-GENERAL
Administrative and non-profit support professional with more than four years of experience in board coordination, donor communication, documentation, and volunteer management. She holds a Diploma in Business Administration and Secretarial Studies from Mount Kenya University.
Vincent Aron Nyaloo
TREASURER
Finance and banking professional with a Bachelor of Business Management, Finance and Banking option, from the University of Eldoret. He brings expertise in financial oversight, budgeting, accountability, and stewardship of organisational resources.
Lineya Belinda Oluoch
DIRECTOR — PROGRAMMES & PARTNERSHIPS
Lineya Belinda Oluoch is a Registered Clinical Officer with four years of professional experience in clinical care. She holds a qualification in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from the Kenya Medical Training College and completed her clinical internship at Siaya County Referral Hospital.
Currently serving at Siaya County Referral Hospital, Lineya brings valuable clinical knowledge and practical healthcare experience to the Ongata Foundation. Her background strengthens the Foundation's commitment to improving community health, nutrition and access to essential healthcare services, supporting its mission to build a healthier and more resilient community on Takawiri Island.
Emily Akoth Mark
DIRECTOR — DIGITAL & COMMUNICATIONS
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Travel and Tourism Management. She supports the Foundation’s communications, visibility, and outreach work, helping strengthen public engagement and institutional presence.
Purity Ambani Chibolo
DIRECTOR — THE ONGATA FOUNDATION FARM
Has a background in Building and Civil Engineering from Eldoret Polytechnic. Her experience includes serving as a foreman in construction and working as a collection officer, bringing practical organisational, field coordination, and operations support skills relevant to farm development and management.
Antonina Auma
MEMBER ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Mount Kenya University. She works as a tour guide and contributes discipline, confidence, and strong communication skills to Board service.
Millicent Otwoma
MEMBER ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Currently a diploma holder in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from KMTC Homa Bay Campus. She brings a clinical health background and practical community perspective to Board service.
Erick Ngolo
CO-OPTED MEMBER WITH SPECIALISED EXPERTISE
(NON-VOTING)
Registered clinical anaesthetist with a strong medical background. He serves the Board as a co-opted non-voting member, contributing specialised expertise in anaesthesia and healthcare practice.
Omolo Otieno
PARTNERSHIPS & GOVERNMENT LIAISON ADVISER
(NON-VOTING)
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Certified Public Mediator. He holds an LL.B (Hons) from Africa Nazarene University and a Higher Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, with experience in litigation, conveyancing, family law, mediation, and corporate advisory.
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