SPOUTS
Founded
2011 in Kampala, Uganda — Spouts International was established to tackle the lack of access to safe drinking water in Africa by locally manufacturing and distributing affordable, effective ceramic water filters and related clean‑energy products that improve health and reduce reliance on harmful water purification practices.
Founders & Leadership
Kathy Ku — Co‑Founder (mission‑driven entrepreneur who started the project after witnessing water‑borne disease impacts).
John Kye — Co‑Founder (co‑leader in establishing local manufacturing and distribution).
Daniel Yin — Chief Executive Officer, leading growth, operations, and impact scale‑up.
Hester Lanting — Chief of Staff.
Michael Nimoh — Country Director, Uganda.
Samuel Kinyanjui — Global Finance Director.
Dominic Lyando — Global Production Director.
David Ngarambe — Rwanda Country Director.
Location
Kampala, Uganda — with operational presence in Rwanda and Kenya, and distribution networks across multiple East African countries.
Industry
Social Enterprise / Water & Sanitation / Clean Tech — focused on manufacturing ceramic water filters, distributing clean‑energy cookstoves, and driving environmental impact through carbon credit programs.
Funding Stage
Growth Stage (Impact Investment) — Spouts International has received impact investments to scale its clean water access initiatives. Notably, Incofin’s Water Access Acceleration Fund committed €3 million (≈ USD 3.2 million) to support production expansion, carbon credit initiatives, and reach across East Africa, alongside backing from DOB Equity under its sustainability‑oriented investment strategy.
Overview
Spouts International is a mission‑driven social enterprise and the largest ceramic water filter manufacturer in Africa. Its flagship Purifaaya™ ceramic water filters provide affordable, safe drinking water while eliminating the need to boil water using firewood or charcoal — thereby reducing water‑borne disease, indoor air pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions. Through commercial sales, carbon credit revenue, partner‑based distribution, and subsidised outreach, Spouts aims to dramatically expand access to clean water and related health benefits across underserved communities.
Core Features & Capabilities
Purifaaya Ceramic Water Filters: Locally manufactured filters that remove pathogens and contaminants, enabling safe drinking water without boiling.
Improved Clean Cookstoves: Distributed to households to reduce fuel use, indoor smoke, and carbon emissions.
Carbon Credit Projects: Verified emissions reduction projects (Gold Standard) that generate revenue to subsidize products for low‑income households.
Cross‑Country Distribution: Presence in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and plans for extended reach across Africa via partnerships and investment.
Impact Measurement & Partnerships: Works with NGOs, governments, and humanitarian networks to extend safe water access, especially in schools, clinics, and refugee settlements.
Target Market
Rural & Low‑Income Households seeking affordable access to safe drinking water and reduced health risks.
Institutions & Community Centers (schools, clinics) requiring clean water solutions.
Environmental & Impact Investors focused on water access, climate mitigation, and social impact.
Humanitarian Organizations and partners working in water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) sectors.
Value Proposition
Spouts International combines local manufacturing, sustainable water purification technology, and innovative financing (including carbon revenue) to provide affordable, long‑term access to clean drinking water while reducing carbon emissions and health risks. Its model empowers African communities with ownership over their water solutions and aligns social impact with environmental sustainability.