Nairobi has everything from free public primary schools to international schools with fees to match the best in the world. Where you live and where the school is matters as much as the school itself: a school run can mean an hour in traffic each way.
The Kenyan system
Kenya has replaced the old 8-4-4 system with Competency-Based Education (CBE), known until recently as the CBC. It is organised as 2-6-3-3:
| Stage | Years | Ages, roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary (PP1, PP2) | 2 | 4 - 5 |
| Primary (Grades 1 - 6) | 6 | 6 - 11 |
| Junior school (Grades 7 - 9) | 3 | 12 - 14 |
| Senior school (Grades 10 - 12) | 3 | 15 - 17 |
The first students entered senior school in January 2026, so the system is still settling in and details change. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) runs the national assessments.
The school year runs from January to November in three terms.
Public and private Kenyan schools
- Public schools charge little or no tuition at primary level, with government capitation, but classes are large.
- Private schools follow the Kenyan curriculum with smaller classes and more facilities, at a wide range of fees.
International schools
International schools follow the British (IGCSE and A level), International Baccalaureate or American curriculum. Their year usually runs from September to June or July. Well-known Nairobi schools include:
- International School of Kenya - IB and American, in Rosslyn
- Rosslyn Academy - American, in Rosslyn
- Braeburn, Brookhouse and Hillcrest - British curriculum, with several campuses
- Banda School and Kenton College - British-style preparatory schools
- German School Nairobi and Lycée Denis Diderot - for German and French education
Fees are high and usually come with one-off registration, assessment and development charges. Ask every school for its full fee schedule, including transport, lunch and trips.
Choosing a school
- Visit during term, and ask to see a lesson.
- Check registration with the Ministry of Education, and accreditation for international schools.
- Think about the commute. Many families choose the school first and the neighbourhood second. See Nairobi’s neighbourhoods.
- Apply early. Popular schools have waiting lists, especially in the lower years.
Universities
Nairobi has the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, USIU-Africa and Aga Khan University, among others. Most are on the map.