About Us
Meet our Teams
Friends of Watoto US is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers and sponsors around the United States to support the incredible efforts of Friends of Watoto Kenya. We will introduce you to both teams who share the same vision to see the people of Bungoma, Kenya flourish on into the future as we provide for the needs of the orphans and vulnerable children and their families.
The Heart:
How "Friends of Watoto" began
Our Mission
PROVIDE basic needs to orphans and vulnerable children living in the streets and rural areas
PROTECT our children from abusers and advocate for their safety and rights
EDUCATE them to become self-sustaining to transform our communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower orphans and vulnerable children to become self-sustaining to transform their lives and our community.
Our Commuinity
Our Community is based in Bungoma, Kenya. Located in western Kenya, near to the border of Uganda. (add more context)
Introducing...
Cleophas Muyelele
Founder & Director
Cleophas Muyelele is the visionary behind Friends of Watoto Kenya, serving as both its Founder and Community Director. His commitment to social transformation is rooted in his own lived experience; having grown up as an orphan and facing the hardship of dropping out of school, Cleophas understands the systemic barriers facing vulnerable youth. His life took a pivotal turn when he met a missionary whose support enabled him to complete his education and graduate from college—a turning point that ignited his lifelong mission to pay that kindness forward. Driven by a deep passion for children’s welfare, quality education, and food security, Cleophas has been instrumental in bridging the gap between vision and action. In close collaboration with Friends of Watoto US, he has strategically designed and implemented the organization’s core objectives, ensuring that every program creates a tangible impact on the ground. As the lead member for project implementation in Kenya, Cleophas oversees the daily operations and long-term growth of the organization’s initiatives. He is married and blessed with three children, who serve alongside him in their shared dedication to empowering the community.
Faith Kadenge
Treasurer and girls welfare administrator.
Faith Kadenge is a dedicated leader and finance professional passionate about transforming lives through community impact programs. Since the inception of the organization, she has served as the treasurer ensuring transparency, sustainability, and growth in all initiatives. Faith is deeply committed to championing the welfare of girls through access to education, dignity, mentorship, and hygiene awareness. Her vision is to create empowered communities where every child, especially the girl child, has the opportunity to thrive.
Patricia Chepkemoi (Chepchep)
Patricia is a dedicated advocate for women and the girl child, committed to advancing empowerment and community transformation. As the Programs Coordinator at Friends of Watoto Kenya, she oversees program implementation, coordinates field activities, and works closely with her team to ensure impactful and sustainable support across all initiatives. Through her leadership, Patricia has helped create meaningful change, ensuring that everyone who engages with the organization is empowered and their lives improved. Her work focuses on mentorship, education sponsorship, and livelihood empowerment, including skills development at the organization’s training center.
The "Champ" Call
Why should you become a Friends of Watoto Champion?
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Our "champs" get to see the fruits of their labor put to use in ways that allow orphans and the people of the community of Bungoma to flourish. Many children here are born into poverty and have to fight for their very existence. Many families struggle to meet essential needs, such as food, water, clothing, and basic household supplies.