Victor Ochieng

Victor Ochieng

Victor Ochieng

Class of 2026

LinkedIn

Victor Ochieng is a first-year M.J. student at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he is focusing on documentary filmmaking. With a background in broadcast news and a passion for telling stories that inspire change, Victor brings a wealth of experience in video production, reporting, and content creation. His journey began in Nairobi, Kenya, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism (Broadcast News) from United States International University-Africa, combining his love for storytelling with technical expertise in video editing and production.

Victor has worked with esteemed organizations such as Al Jazeera English, Deutsche Welle, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). His work with these media outlets spans a range of impactful stories, from highlighting Kenya’s matatu culture to producing features on innovative recycling projects and public health initiatives in informal settlements. In his role at the Kenya Defense Forces’ Strategic Communication Unit, Victor led a content creation team, producing documentaries that showcased the military’s diverse operations.

Now reporting for Richmond Confidential, Victor covers education, focusing on the intersection of environmental issues and public health. He is also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, an award granted to exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting his dedication to using journalism as a tool for social impact.

Victor is fluent in both Swahili and English and is highly skilled in Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere, and  camera operation, among other technical proficiencies. At UC Berkeley, he hopes to sharpen his storytelling abilities and use his documentary work to address critical issues affecting marginalized communities.

EDUCATION

  • University of California, Berkeley, C.A

  • United States International University-Africa | Nairobi, Kenya

EMPLOYERS

  • Education Reporter, Richmond Confidential | Berkeley, CA

  • Broadcast Trainer and Producer, Strategic Communication Unit (STRATCOM) Kenya Defense Forces | Nairobi, Kenya

  • Marketing Lead, International House at University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, C.A

  • Al Jazeera English | Nairobi, Kenya

    Produced news features and edited video content.

    Highlights Include: Matatu Culture in Nairobi and Recycling Culture-Suave Bags, a feature on a company turning old clothes into fashion items.

  • Deutsche Welle (DW) | Nairobi, Kenya

    Produced news features and edited video content.
    Stories Included:

    Kenya Graffiti Artists Embark on COVID-19 Sensitization in Mathare, focusing on youth-driven public health initiatives in informal settlements.

  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), FutbolMas Kenya| Nairobi, Kenya

    Developed an audio-visual intervention model (My Home, My Playground) to provide psychosocial support for refugee communities in Kakuma, Dadaab, and Nairobi.

  • Founder Sema Radio | Narobi, Kenya. Sema Radio is innovative online audio-visual radio platform that combines traditional radio with modern media. Through this platform, audiences can share their stories, promote their products, and exchange knowledge via a unique blend of online visual streaming and linear radio. Sema Radio aims to better communicate local opportunities and advocate for resource mobilization by promoting shows that focus on community development and empowerment.

  • Volunteer, United Nations Association of the United States of America, Bay Area | Develop and produce engaging content to promote the mission and activities of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, East Bay Chapter.

AWARDS & HONORS

  • 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholar – Full-tuition scholarship awarded to exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Dubai Expo Global Best Practices Program (2021) – Recognized for the project "My Home, My Playground," one of five pandemic-related initiatives to receive global recognition.

  • Transparency International Kagua Kiongozi Video Competition – Young Storyteller Award.

PUBLICATIONS & OTHER WORK

  • Richmond Confidential, October 8th, How prepared are you for a possible wildfire?

    Reporting on West Contra Costa
    Unified School District's (WCCUSD) investigation into alleged ringers on El Cerrito's football team, leading to 6-game forfeits and a student walkout – October 25, 2024

    Board Member Q&A: Developed a question-and-answer series with upcoming board members of WCCUSD, highlighting their priorities and vision to improve educational outcomes-October 29, 2024

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

  • Society of Professional Journalists Northern California (SPJ NorCal)

  • National Association of Black Journalists, UC Berkeley

  • Media Council of Kenya

REPORTING INTERESTS

Documentary filmmaking, Education Reporting, Multimedia Reporting