Walter Okombo

Walter Okombo, a dedicated community developer from Kenya, has spent over a decade tirelessly working to uplift youth, women, and children through various grassroots initiatives. Having founded several community-based development groups in Kenya, he continues to make a significant impact in his roles at Water for the World and Practical Action Kenya.

Walter’s passion for helping the less privileged stems from his challenging childhood, which was marked by poverty and a lack of necessities. Growing up, he faced malnutrition and walked over five miles daily to fetch water, often on the brink of dropping out of school. The generosity of well-wishers and friends enabled him to overcome these hardships, shaping his lifelong commitment to providing clean and potable water to underserved communities. Today, Walter’s dedication to improving lives is unwavering as he works to ensure access to clean water and support for children in need.

Tom Abonyo

Tom Abonyo is a skilled hydrogeologist and a graduate of the Kenya Water Institute, driven by a deep commitment to resolving water scarcity issues in Kenya. His passion for water resource management began during his academic journey and has since translated into tangible contributions to communities in need.

Tom has made a significant impact by bringing potable water to arid and semi-arid regions, including Turkana, Baringo, Garissa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties. His work in some of Kenya’s most water-challenged areas highlights his dedication to making clean water accessible. Currently involved with Water for the World, Tom remains steadfast in his mission to improve the quality of life for millions lacking access to safe drinking water.

Marijah Butcher

Marijah Butcher, a 73-year-old mother, grandmother, and community advocate, has always sought to make a difference in the lives of others. Her journey with Water for the World began when she met Walter Okombo while coaching a Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (Y.E.A.) course. Witnessing Walter’s passion for helping his community, particularly in tackling the challenges faced by teenage mothers and children, Marijah was inspired to take action.

Together, they envisioned a clean and safe Lake Victoria, where water would no longer be a threat but a source of sustenance. Her collaboration with James Pink, another passionate advocate, marked the beginning of a transformative project—drilling boreholes to provide safe drinking water. Marijah’s experience living abroad in Indonesia and the Philippines and working on UN projects has enriched her understanding of global challenges and fueled her commitment to addressing water scarcity.

James Pink

James Pink, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, has dedicated his life to helping children and empowering communities. As a young man, he ran a “Children’s English Club” to support immigrant children in the UK and later built a successful Telecoms & IT company that sponsored the education of 26 children from impoverished backgrounds for 20 years.

After selling his business, James established Van Store Ltd, which now funds Water for the World’s projects. His vision is to alleviate poverty in Kenya by providing clean water, fostering sustainable agriculture, and supporting community development. James believes that even small contributions can make a profound difference and is committed to ensuring every penny raised goes directly to essential water and community projects.

In a world where millions still lack access to clean water, basic sanitation, and sustainable resources, the importance of strategic collaboration cannot be overstated. Water for the World, a UK-based organization dedicated to providing clean water solutions in Kenya, has already laid a strong foundation for transformation. Now, in an unprecedented partnership, the Marine Foundation is stepping in to elevate this mission to a global scale, aligning with its vision of eradicating poverty and ensuring fundamental human rights worldwide.

 The efforts of Water for the World have been groundbreaking, bringing deep borehole drilling and water tower infrastructure to rural Kenyan villages. Their focus on empowering local women and providing sustainable water access has not only improved health conditions but also stimulated economic activity.

The Marine Foundation, known for its large-scale humanitarian projects across the globe, recognizes the potential of these efforts and aims to enhance them. By integrating Water for the World into its expansive network of development initiatives, Marine Foundation seeks to:

Upgrade Infrastructure:

Implement advanced water purification and distribution systems to reach a greater number of communities.

Empower Local Communities:

Develop educational and training programs to equip local populations with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term sustainability.

Expand the Mission Beyond Kenya:

Utilize the successful Kenya model to establish similar projects across Africa and beyond, ensuring that more nations benefit from this life-changing initiative.

Water is not just a necessity—it is a right. Through this powerful alliance, Water for the World will become a flagship program under the Marine Foundation’s umbrella, allowing it to attract greater funding, expertise, and technological advancements. Together, these two organizations will work toward creating self-sufficient communities where access to clean water is no longer a privilege but a fundamental certainty.

With this union, Kenya’s Water for the World is set to evolve into a pioneering model for water accessibility, providing a beacon of hope for millions struggling with the most basic necessities. This partnership marks the beginning of a global movement—one that ensures no community is left behind in the quest for a dignified and sustainable future.

The synergy between Walter, Tom, Marijah, and James exemplifies how diverse backgrounds can unite to address a common cause. Together, they form the backbone of Water for the World, working to alleviate water scarcity and create sustainable solutions for Kenyan communities.

By leveraging their unique skills—Walter’s community leadership, Tom’s technical expertise, Marijah’s global perspective, and James’s funding initiatives—they are making strides in transforming lives through clean water access. Their stories remind us that anyone, regardless of their background or resources, can be a catalyst for change. In their hands, Water for the World is more than a project—it’s a mission to reshape the future, one borehole at a time.

Join the Movement This is a call to action for all who believe in the power of collective change. Whether through funding, expertise, or advocacy, every effort contributes to a world where no one suffers from the absence of life’s most essential needs. Together, Marine Foundation and Water for the World are rewriting the story of poverty and human survival—one drop at a time.