I joined Triad Architects, an architectural firm in Kenya in 1981 after graduating from the University of Nairobi, and obtained my professional registration two years later. Triad Architects is amongst the top three architectural practices in the country. It was established in 1963, the same year Kenya got her independence from the British, and is one of the oldest architectural firms in the country. In 1991, I was invited by the Provost of the Anglican Cathedral to advise them on repairs and renewals the cathedral needed. It was during my volunteer service at the church that I began to question my purpose and what might God be asking of me. This culminated in my accepting Jesus Christ as Lord in 1992. I kept it quiet from my senior partners in the office, but my work and commitment to church was evident to all. My attitudes and opinions on project types and clientele was evidently guided by my newfound faith.

As the architectural advisor to the Church Commissioners for Kenya (CCK), the registered trustees and investment arm of the Anglican Church in Kenya, my interest grew in investing in the work of God. Our investments at CCK involve investing mainly in real estate to secure future incomes, to meet clergy and church workers’ pensions, and to give subventions to the diocese. It also involves working with parishes and dioceses in an advisory capacity in their direct investments for sustainability. It is through these experiences that clarity and purpose of my profession began to form. Many a time I would say “whilst I was repairing the roofs of the cathedral, the Provost was repairing my heart.” I knew without a doubt that I was where God wanted me to be. Triad is well-respected and known for its work in the kingdom. Our integrity in a perverse and corrupt society is unquestionable.

Fast forward to 2013 when Triad celebrated its 50th year in practice and we found ourselves questioning the legacy of Triad, why we exist, and what we are known for. It was during this time and through prayer and meditation that the thought of formalizing and bringing focus on our philanthropic and pro bono work resulted in the creation of TRIAD FOUNDATION. The foundation exists to empower people and transform communities through the employment of our skills and talents and in collaboration with engineers and contractors in the building environment.

It is worthy to note that 50 years after independence most African countries, Kenya included, have not seen the fulfilment of promises by the leaders at independence. We are still struggling with provision of affordable housing, quality education, good health care, poverty, and food security.

Triad Foundation’s primary focus is in health, education, and environment to the underprivileged communities in Nairobi. We believe that a child attending school must be provided with a good learning environment, have access to clean water and have one decent meal.

The words of 2 Kings 4:1-7:

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

We use what we what we have in terms of skills, talents and we ask our neighbours (engineers and contractors) to join us in our efforts.

Triad Foundation initiatives raise funds through an annual golf tournament and makes grants and philanthropic investments into projects that have clearly defined impact in education, health, or improved environment. The funds raised during the golf tournament is in the form of a catalytic fund like the little oil referred to in verse 2. By faith we have seen God take the little initiative of the golf tournament fundraising and multiply to levels we never thought or imagined.

In 2016, through Triad Foundation, Triad Architects aided in the completion of a stalled classroom block at the Church Army Academy along Jogoo Road, Nairobi. In 2017 and 2018 fundraising initiatives, we raised an equivalent of USD 30,000 and through the sacrifices and volunteering of consultant contractors and suppliers, we were able to complete the construction of eight classrooms for the Church Army Africa at a cost of USD 170,000.

The pictures show before Triad Foundation and after Triad Foundation. Triad Foundation helps in uplifting communities through architecture.

Using a similar strategy in 2019, we raised a total of USD 55,000 and have designed and are building a primary school (Genesis Joy School) in the slums of Mathare in Nairobi for 300 children. This will provide decent classrooms, toilets, and clean water at a cost of USD 350,000. The building will also be available for hire by the local community for meetings and other functions.

In 2013 we renovated a disused theatre in a children’s hospital in our neighbourhood to be a place of worship. Similarly, we renovated girls’ and boys’ toilets in a public school nearby where majority of the students are from a neighbouring slum. The essence of this was to bring dignity to the girl child.

This image is the proposed Youth Centre for the youths in Deep Sea and Kangemi Slums. Triad Foundation in partnership with Beacon of Hope are to build this Centre at Westlands Health Centre from used shipping containers. — This image is the proposed Youth Centre for the youths in Deep Sea and Kangemi Slums. Triad Foundation in partnership with Beacon of Hope are to build this Centre at Westlands Health Centre from used shipping containers.

We believe through these efforts we shall transform the lives of these children and the community around them. The vision of Triad Foundation is to bring hope and dignity and to see people restored by God using our talents and giftings.

We are encouraged by the words in Matthew 25: 35-40 (NIV)

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The successful completion of the three projects above is proof of concept for us and we will now launch into sustainable invests in projects that transform communities in the informal sectors of our society. These investments will be in real estate and the creation of a catalytic fund.

We shall continue encouraging our colleagues in the construction industry to volunteer their time, resources, and skills on the projects we shall undertake. We are encouraged by the work organisations such as Engineering Ministry International (EMI) do in Africa.

Triad Foundation Story