Lynette (Elaine) Ruth Walters, a pioneering humanitarian and founder of Compassion in East Africa, passed away in Nairobi on October 4, 2025, at the age of 88 after a brief illness.
Lynette, born on February 17, 1937, had dedicated her life to serving children and families in need as the founding Country Director of Compassion International Kenya.
Under her visionary leadership, the organization expanded its reach to support thousands of vulnerable children through education, healthcare, spiritual development, and economic empowerment.
Walters arrived in Kenya during a period of great need and saw the potential of faith-based child sponsorship to transform lives.
Her Work & Legacy in Kenya
In the early 1980s, she established Compassion in East Africa, which later became part of Compassion International, a global Christian organization committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
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Her work laid the foundation for a movement that now partners with more than 400 local churches across Kenya, empowering communities to support children from infancy to adulthood.
Today, Compassion International Kenya supports over 130,000 children and youth through holistic child development programs.
In addition to her work with Compassion, Walters was a faithful member of Nairobi Baptist Church (NBC) and served actively with the Bible Society of Kenya, where she was known for her humility, quiet strength, and deep love for Scripture.
Family of Lynette Ruth Walters
Walters is survived by her sister Rosemary Stevens, nephew Charles Stevens, nieces Alison Drury and Felicity Wallendszus, and great-nephews and nieces Guy, Simon, Lottie, and Molly, all in the United Kingdom. In Kenya, she is mourned by her adopted family, Rev. Mutava and Mrs. Nyambura Musyimi, Mueni-Nyokabi Kahumbura, and Dr. Syano Musyimi.
An evening of tributes will be held in her honor on Wednesday, October 22, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service on Friday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., both at Nairobi Baptist Church.
Services will be live-streamed to accommodate mourners around the world.
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In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made via Pay bill 880100, Account No: 3096690027, to support causes close to Walters’ heart.
About Compassion in East Africa
Compassion in East Africa is the regional expression of Compassion International’s mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Established in the late 1970s, the work in East Africa began with a small network of church partnerships and has grown into a transformative movement across countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
The organization operates through local churches, equipping them to provide holistic child development.
It currently partners with over 400 churches and supports more than 130,000 children and youth.
Each child enrolled in the program receives regular health check-ups, school support, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership development.
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