Where the The Kula Foundation truly started
How a single project became the foundation of our mission to design, empower, and transform communities.
Introduction
The Pilot Composting Toilet in Kisii, Kenya, started of as a home sketch design (from our founders bedroom) for a community support request. Unknown to the challenges to the communities in rural Kenya, this project turned out to be more than a sanitation solution—it was the start of something transformative. This project is the cornerstone of The Kula Foundation’s journey, showcasing our commitment to community-centred design and sustainable impact. By addressing urgent needs and engaging with the community, we learned invaluable lessons that now guide every project we undertake.
Below are some photos of our founder visiting schools and speaking to some of the headteachers to understand the impacts these school face.
In Kisii, our founder visited many schools to interact with head teachers and locals to understand the appetite of a composting toilet that addressed both hygiene and environmental challenges. The process was collaborative from start to finish, ensuring the solution met the community’s unique needs.
On the journey we found there was a huge need for knowledge sharing as there was hesitancy for people to move from pit latrines to alternative sanitation solutions. This is where communication was key and we found a school head teacher that was open to change and was excited about the potential of usable compost that could complement their tree nursery and agricultural farming activities taught at the school.
The success of this project wasn’t just in its completion but in the relationships built, the skills shared, and the empowerment fostered. This was where The Kula Foundation’s vision of combining thoughtful design and meaningful engagement truly came to life.
The Impact
Immediate Impact for the School:
- Improved hygiene and sanitation for students.
- A cleaner, safer, and healthier learning environment.
- Dignity and accessibility for all
Wider Benefits Beyond the Classroom:
- Water Harvesting:Â The facility includes water-saving features, ensuring better access to clean water for washing and hydration.
- Composting:Â Turning waste into valuable compost, supporting agricultural activities and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
- Environmental Protection:Â Addressing waste management sustainably and preventing pollution of local water sources.
- Economic Impact:Â Demonstrating a scalable model that can inspire and create employment for local builders and communities.
This project is a testament to the power of collective action. From crowdfunding efforts to local partnerships, our Founder has been able to show what’s possible when communities and supporters unite for change. In 2025, we want to build on this and create more impact working with supporters like you!
Want to know more about the details of this project. Get in touch!
What’s Next
The Pilot Composting Toilet wasn’t just a test project—it was a movement’s beginning. It shaped the ethos of The Kula Foundation and inspired a vision for what’s possible when design meets community through the support of a global community.
As we look to the future, we’re expanding this approach to tackle challenges in education, clean water, and beyond. The journey has just begun, and we’re excited to continue working hand-in-hand with communities to create sustainable, impactful change.
Be part of the story.
Support The Kula Foundation as we build on the legacy of the Founder’s Project to design and deliver innovative, community-led solutions.
Visit our Get Involved page or contact us to learn how you can contribute to this journey.
