Meet the Leader: James Onsongo, CEO
By Finishing Well Foundation | September 13, 2026
Leadership is not only about holding a position. It is about serving people, carrying a vision forward, and turning conviction into action.
At Finishing Well Foundation, James Onsongo serves as Chief Executive Officer, helping translate the foundation's vision into practical programmes, partnerships, community initiatives, and opportunities that improve lives.
His journey is one marked by resilience, service and a strong belief in the power of people to rebuild their lives and communities.
From adversity to purpose
James Onsongo's story is particularly significant because it is rooted in personal perseverance.
In an account published by TUKO, Onsongo shared how he once faced significant challenges after completing secondary school, including a difficult period when he struggled financially and eventually found himself sleeping at Deliverance Church Eastleigh. His circumstances, however, did not define his future. His determination and willingness to serve opened new opportunities and eventually led him into a close working relationship with Bishop Dr William Tuimising.
Over time, that relationship developed into a broader commitment to community service and transformation.
In 2021, Onsongo published Rebuilding the Broken Walls, an inspirational study book based on lessons he drew from the biblical story of Nehemiah. He described the book as an invitation for people to rebuild not only their own lives, but also their communities and nation.
That message of rebuilding remains closely connected to the spirit of Finishing Well Foundation.
A leader who believes in practical service
For James, leadership is not meant to remain behind a desk.
His work with Bishop Tuimising and the Finishing Well Foundation has involved initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, education, water access, empowerment and social transformation.
He has also been involved in supporting vulnerable families. In one documented initiative, the foundation supported the construction of a permanent home and provision of a water tank for a widow in Narok. The initiative was part of Bishop Tuimising's wider commitment to supporting widows and communities in need.
These initiatives reflect an approach to leadership that places people at the centre.
Taking the mission to the road
One of the clearest examples of James Onsongo's commitment to practical leadership came through the 480-kilometre Walk for Fitness and Missionary Work from Nairobi to Mombasa.
In December 2025, Onsongo joined Bishop Dr William Tuimising, Dr William Sifuna and Commander Steve Strong in the demanding journey, which combined physical fitness, Christian mission and community development.
The walk sought to raise support for communities facing serious challenges, including water scarcity and educational needs. Among the intended beneficiaries was Sasura Girls School, where the campaign sought resources for a sustainable water solution and improvements to learning facilities.
Speaking about the initiative, Onsongo emphasised that leadership must be active and demonstrated through action, not confined to offices or meetings.
That philosophy captures much of his approach to his role at Finishing Well Foundation.
Carrying the vision forward
As CEO, James Onsongo works alongside the foundation's leadership, volunteers and partners to turn the vision of "Start Well, Live Well & Finish Well" into meaningful programmes and lasting community impact.
His role involves coordinating initiatives, supporting partnerships, strengthening programmes and helping build a culture where service is measured not simply by intention, but by the lives touched and communities strengthened.
For Finishing Well Foundation, leadership is ultimately about legacy.
It is about asking what can be built today that will continue helping someone tomorrow.
James Onsongo's journey reflects that belief: that difficult beginnings do not have to determine the ending, that broken walls can be rebuilt, and that leadership finds its greatest meaning when it is placed in service of others.
At Finishing Well Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to Start Well, Live Well and Finish Well.
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James Onsongo
Chief Executive Officer, Finishing Well Foundation
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.” — Hebrews 12:1