Victor Ochieng
Victor Ochieng is a second-year M.J. student at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he focuses on documentary filmmaking. With a background in broadcast news and a passion for stories that inspire change, Victor brings extensive 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 storytelling with technical expertise in editing and production.
He has worked with esteemed organizations such as Al Jazeera English, Deutsche Welle, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), producing stories ranging from Kenya’s matatu culture to recycling innovations and public health in informal settlements. As part of the Kenya Defense Forces’ Strategic Communication Unit, Victor led a content team that created documentaries highlighting the military’s diverse operations. He also founded Sema Radio, one of Kenya’s first audio-visual online radio stations, which used media as a tool for community engagement and social entrepreneurship.
In 2025, Victor contributed as a filmmaker and video editor on Climate California while serving as a production intern at Northern California Public Media, a PBS affiliate. The documentary series went on to win a Northern California Emmy Award for excellence in environmental storytelling. That same year, his civic tech project Situation Room—a secure collaboration platform for journalists and activists—was named the Social Impact Winner at UC Berkeley’s Technology & Democracy Challenge Lab.
Victor recently completed reporting and production assignments with Richmond Confidential and Northern California Public Media, where he covered education, environmental health, and contributed to Emmy-winning documentary work. He is now transitioning into new documentary and civic media projects that continue his focus on storytelling for social impact.
He is also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, awarded to exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa committed to using their education for social impact.
Victor is fluent in English and Swahili, and highly proficient in Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere, and camera operation. At Berkeley, he continues to develop stories that move the world by centering underrepresented voices and urgent issues.
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley, C.A
United States International University-Africa | Nairobi, Kenya
Media Gymnasium | Nacka Strand, Sweden
EMPLOYERS
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Education Reporter, Richmond Confidential | Berkeley, CA
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Broadcast Trainer and Producer, Strategic Communication Unit (STRATCOM) Kenya Defense Forces | Nairobi, Kenya
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Marketing Lead, International House at University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, C.A
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Production Intern, Northern California Public Media – Climate California.
As a production intern at Northern California Public Media (PBS affiliate), I contributed to the Emmy-winning documentary series Climate California. I was involved in the filming and editing of Episodes 7, 8, 9, and 10.
The same project that got the Northern California Emmy Award in the Environment/Science; News or Long Form Content category.
Working on this series, which explores the intersection of climate, culture, and resilience, was an incredibly inspiring experience. It deepened my commitment to storytelling that centers community voices and drives environmental awareness.
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.
UC Berkeley Technology & Democracy Challenge Lab – Social Impact Winner (Spring 2025)
Our team’s project, Situation Room, was recognized as the Social Impact Winner for its innovative approach to secure collaboration between journalists and activists. The platform aims to protect sources, amplify underreported issues, and uphold democratic values by enabling safer, anonymous communication in hostile environments.Northern California Emmy Award (2025) – Awarded for Climate California: which won in the Environment/Science – News or Long Form Content category. Contributed as a production intern at Northern California Public Media, supporting filming and editing on Episodes 7, 8, 9, and 10.
PUBLICATIONS & OTHER WORK
Board Member Q&A – Authored a question-and-answer series featuring newly elected board members of the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), exploring their priorities, vision, and proposed strategies to improve educational outcomes. (Published October 29, 2024)
Giving Kids and Communities Hope – Youth Alive Works to Stop the Cycle of Violence in Oakland
Directed and edited a short documentary highlighting the work of violence interrupters at Youth Alive, an Oakland-based nonprofit focused on interrupting cycles of community violence. Published by Oakland North, the film spotlights real stories of transformation and resilience. (Published February 24, 2025)Reporting on West Contra Costa Unified School District’s (WCCUSD) Investigation into El Cerrito High Football Violations
Covered the district’s probe into the use of ineligible players (“ringers”) on El Cerrito High School’s football team, which resulted in six game forfeitures and sparked a student-led walkout. (Published October 25, 2024)People of Richmond: How Prepared Are You for a Possible Wildfire?
Co-reported a community Q&A feature for Richmond Confidential, asking Richmond residents about their wildfire preparedness. Part of the People of Richmond series, the piece presents unfiltered perspectives on public safety and climate resilience. (Published October 8, 2024)Climate California – Northern California Public Media / PBS
Served as a production intern and contributed to the filming and editing of Episodes 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Climate California, a PBS documentary series exploring the intersection of climate, culture, and community resilience. The series was awarded a Northern California Emmy in 2025 for excellence in environmental storytelling.
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