Pete Ondeng
 | This biographical article is written like a résumé. (October 2024) |
Pete Ondeng | |
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| Born | Peter Gordon Ondeng April 3, 1959 Kisumu, Kenya |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Education | Hardin Simmons University, Abilene, Texas |
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| Known for |
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| Spouse | May Jerotich Ondeng (Married 1990-present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Awards | Hardin Simmons University Hall of Leaders (2019) |
Pete Ondeng (born April 3, 1959) is a Kenyan political economist, author, and public speaker known for his work in economic governance and development across Africa. [1] He started his career as an internal auditor at McDonald's Corporation, where he qualified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Since 1986, Ondeng has advocated for economic governance and development in Africa.
Ondeng advises corporate executives, policymakers, investors, and political leaders. His book, Africa's Moment, discusses the continent’s opportunities and challenges, inspired by his travels and observations across Africa.[2]
In 2003, Ondeng was appointed by President Mwai Kibaki to lead Kenya's engagement with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). He has provided strategic advice to numerous high-ranking Kenyan politicians, including Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, James Ole Kiyiapi, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, and Reuben Kigame. In 2012, Ondeng served as a communications advisor and presidential speechwriter for Kenya's Minister for Foreign Affairs, and was later appointed by President Kenyatta to the County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) panel of Eminent Persons.
In 2017, Ondeng briefly entered the presidential race under the Restore and Build Kenya Party before withdrawing and endorsing third-party candidate Joe Nyagah.[3]
Early life, education and family
[edit]Pete Ondeng was born in Kisumu, Kenya, as the second of eight children.[4] He began his education in Nyahera, Kisumu County, later moving to Lavington Primary School in Nairobi and Rift Valley Academy, a Christian boarding school. After the loss of a close childhood friend, Ondeng was sponsored by the Whitson family to study in the United States in honor of their late son.[5] He graduated in 1982 from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Accounting.[6]
Ondeng married his childhood friend, May Jerotich Bomett, a communications specialist, in 1990. They have two adult sons, Benjamin and Brian.[4]
Career highlights
[edit]Ondeng began his professional career at McDonald's Corporation in Dallas, Texas, and later at the company’s headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, as part of the Internal Audit department. After returning to Kenya in 1986, he joined USAID as a Senior Financial Analyst, where he wrote How to Start Your Own Small Business, a bestseller that established him as a leader in small business development.[7] He also wrote a weekly column, "Running Your Own Show," for The Daily Nation.
In 1994, Ondeng became the founding CEO of Faulu Kenya, one of Kenya's pioneering microfinance institutions, which eventually evolved into a regulated financial institution. Later, he served as Africa Director for Oikocredit, an impact investment organization based in the Netherlands.
Returning to Kenya in 2002, Ondeng was appointed to lead the NEPAD regional secretariat.[1] During this time, Ondeng took on leadership on key African development projects, including the Millennium Villages Project (MVP), MYC4 (a Danish crowdfunding platform for SMEs), and Life in Abundance International (LIA), a faith-based development organization.
In 2021, Ondeng founded Ohala Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable blue economy enterprises in the Lake Victoria region. [8]He also leads the Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Association, a platform that promotes sustainable aquaculture in the region.[9]
Philanthropy
[edit]Ondeng has long been involved in philanthropic initiatives. In 2003, he co-founded the Little Rock Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center in Nairobi’s Kibera slum, which he chaired for seven years, raising funds for its growth.
Public speaking
[edit]Ondeng is recognized as an engaging public speaker and thought leader, having delivered keynote addresses at numerous international conferences. His work on economic development and governance has been widely published.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Pete Odeng' Announces His 2017 Presidential Bid - Kenyans.co.ke". www.kenyans.co.ke. 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ Ondeng, Pete (2008). Africa's Moment. Asset Capital Ltd. p. 108. ISBN 978-0615221908.
- ^ "Presidential Candidate for Restore and Build Kenya (RBK) Party Pete Ondeng Quits Race for State House - Kenyans.co.ke". www.kenyans.co.ke. 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ a b "Pete Ondeng". Hardin-Simmons University. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Alumni Spotlight: Pete Ondeng". Hardin-Simmons University. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ Jaklewicz, Greg. "Hardin-Simmons graduate returned to Africa to make a difference". Abilene Reporter-News. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Details for: How to start your own small business / › Koha online catalog". library.daystar.ac.ke. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Ohala Kenya". 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "LVA-Association". 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ HR, Oxford (2019-02-13). "In Conversation with: Pete Ondeng". Oxford HR. Retrieved 2024-09-18.