I'm a Photographer and videographer from Nairobi Kenya. I have been to all 47 counties shot humanitarian work, portraits and weddings.

Joel Makori Onuonga

I'm a Photographer and videographer from Nairobi Kenya. I have been to all 47 counties shot humanitarian work, portraits and weddings.

Available to hire

I’m a Photographer and videographer from Nairobi Kenya. I have been to all 47 counties shot humanitarian work, portraits and weddings.

Experience Level

Expert

Language

English
Fluent
Swahili
Fluent
Arabic
Beginner

Work Experience

Community Engagement Manager at Magical Africa / Finetek Technologies
December 1, 2024 - Present
Lead design and implementation of corporate partnership initiatives and community engagement programs aligned with the organisation's mission. Manage relationships with educational institutions (Kenyatta University) and development organisations (UNESCO, Wikimedia Foundation), driving stakeholder engagement and partnership development. Oversee photography, video content, and digital storytelling for campaigns, ensuring consistent branding and messaging across partners.
Deputy Director, Public Communications at Office of the Deputy President, Republic of Kenya
November 1, 2022 - November 1, 2024
Led strategic communications and crisis management during national events, expanding official digital platforms from 500,000 to 2.5 million followers and improving web readership by 50% through SEO and data-driven insights. Directed communications for the WFP/Brazil Cisterns Project, documenting safe water access for ASAL school children across Embu, Mwingi, and Tharaka-Nithi; drafted speeches, press statements, talking points, and media materials for national and international audiences.
Senior Communications Advisor at Slum Dwellers International (SDI)
July 1, 2019 - October 1, 2022
Led strategic communications focused on community development and urban resilience; coordinated regional awareness campaigns and partnerships with international organisations (UN Habitat, UNESCO, WFP); produced 150+ multimedia stories documenting community programs and social impact initiatives; trained 20+ community leaders in media engagement; managed sensitive communications during crises; authored a cross-country communications strategy and brand guide; redesigned an SEO-optimized website and built virtual collaboration infrastructure enabling live-streamed global convergence across 20+ country offices.
Media Associate at WPP Scangroup
May 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019
Developed integrated campaigns for public sector, telecom, FMCG, and development clients; produced editorial content, campaign copy, multimedia materials, and social media content under strict brand and compliance standards.
Communications Consultant at Zalisha Africa
February 1, 2016 - April 1, 2018
Supported digital farming platform communications reaching 300,000+ smallholder farmers across 60+ cooperatives; created educational content on financial literacy, market dynamics, and agricultural productivity in farmer-accessible language; translated platform features and advisory services into practical guidance, increasing farmer adoption and platform retention; contributed to SDG 2, 1, 4, and 12 impact reporting.
Founder and Lead Creative at Joe Images Studio
February 1, 2013 - Present
Founder and Lead Creative of a full-service multimedia production studio serving government, corporate, humanitarian and NGO clients across East Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Europe. Produced 200,000+ professionally edited images and 500+ hours of video; earned Red Cross Photography Award 2014 for ethical humanitarian storytelling; specialized in climate adaptation, land rights, urban resilience, and dignity-centered storytelling.

Education

Master of International Relations at University of Nairobi
September 1, 2024 - June 3, 2026
Bachelor of Arts, English and Literature at Kenyatta University
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

Certified Professional Mediator (CPM)
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026
Corporate Communications
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026
Crisis Management and Communication
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026
Connected Leadership
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026
The Art of Storytelling
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026
Google Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - June 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Agriculture & Mining, Education, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services