Education and Schools in Nairobi

If you are relocating to the city with children, finding a good school in Nairobi will likely be a priority. Nairobi has a good selection of private and international schooling options, although school fees can be prohibitively expensive.

Many public schools in Nairobi are underfunded and poorly resourced, although those within cities are generally of a better standard compared to rural areas. Still, private schools hold more promise, especially for your children from the UK, as the academic system is similar to the British national curriculum.

If you are moving to Nairobi, you may choose an international school, as these typically cause the least disruption to your child’s studies, allowing them to continue with a familiar curriculum.

Public schools in Nairobi

Public schools in Nairobi follow the standard Kenyan education system, which consists of eight years of primary school and four years of secondary school. While tuition for both primary and secondary public education is free, schools are often underfunded and under-resourced.

Nairobi's public schools are at the forefront of educational innovations, benefitting from various NGO and governmental initiatives. Public schools here tend to offer a broad scope of subjects categorised into languages, sciences, applied sciences, humanities, creative arts and technical subjects. Core subjects include English, Kiswahili and maths, with English being the primary language of instruction.

The curriculum is relatively robust, and your children can attend either an academic or technical secondary school. Recently, there have been significant developments in funding and resources. The Kenyan government has announced a substantial increase in budget allocations for technical and vocational education institutions, aimed at improving the quality of education and increasing the number of tutors.

Read more about Education and Schools in Kenya.

Private schools in Nairobi

Private schools in Nairobi are a popular choice among expats, offering a wide range of curricula and subjects. As fee-paying institutions, private schools provide your children with a high-quality education and superior learning facilities compared to public schools.

The average tuition fees for private schools in Nairobi vary significantly, and these schools may charge additional fees for registration, uniforms and extracurricular activities, which can further increase the total expenditure.

Private schools in Nairobi generally demonstrate better educational outcomes than public schools. Students in private institutions often achieve higher test scores thanks to smaller class sizes, better resources and more qualified teachers. Extracurricular activities in private schools are diverse and designed to support holistic student development. Common offerings include sports, arts and music, community service, and academic clubs.

International schools in Nairobi

Nairobi is a big city with a wide variety of international schools that serve a large and diverse expat population. There are over 30 international schools in Nairobi, reflecting a steady increase in demand from expat families and local residents seeking a global education.

Many international schools in Nairobi accept new students year-round, but some have waiting lists, and there is no guarantee of acceptance. Starting the application process early is advisable, especially if you have a strong preference for a particular school.

The major downside of international schools in Nairobi is the hefty tuition fees. Fees can vary significantly depending on the school, the age of the child and the curriculum offered, and Nairobi is known for having some of the highest international school fees in Africa. When relocating for work, try to negotiate the inclusion of an education allowance in your employment package.

International schools in Nairobi are increasingly offering alternative curricula. These include entrepreneurship and leadership programmes, special-needs education support and hybrid learning models that blend in-person and online education.

Read more about the Best International Schools in Nairobi.

Nurseries in Nairobi

If you have young children in Nairobi, you'll find plenty of nursery and daycare options. Many nurseries are part of larger international schools, providing high standards of early childhood education. Numerous nurseries in Nairobi follow the Montessori-style approach, focusing on child-led learning and hands-on activities. Some of these nurseries come with substantial fees, so it's wise to budget accordingly.

Nairobi's nurseries are increasingly adopting innovative methodologies, holistic education focusing on the arts and sports, and technology integration into their teaching methods. These trends enhance the learning experience and prepare children for a tech-savvy world.

Parents generally rate the quality of nurseries in Nairobi highly. Key factors include the quality of the curriculum, modern facilities, qualified teachers and a nurturing community environment. Parents value nurseries that combine high educational standards with a supportive atmosphere.

Given Nairobi's chaotic traffic, consider the nursery's location relative to where you live. Proximity can significantly affect your daily routine and convenience.

Homeschooling in Nairobi

Many expat families favour homeschooling in Nairobi. The city's mainstream education may not be suitable for everyone, being either largely under-resourced or overly expensive. You may also find the style of learning puts too much pressure on your children.

It is worth checking which international schools have exam centres that allow homeschooling children to sit exams under their invigilation. You can use social media and networks to connect with other homeschooling families in Nairobi. Social media groups are great for organising social activities and getting to know others in Nairobi's homeschooling community.

Special-needs education in Nairobi

The Basic Education Act of 2013 mandates free and compulsory education for children with disabilities, and the Persons with Disabilities Bill approved by the Cabinet in 2018 seeks to expand affirmative action. The establishment of the Kenya Institute for Specialised Education has improved teacher preparation for learners with special needs.

Many public schools in Nairobi now offer more inclusive support to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream classes. Private and international schools often provide more inclusive services. The level of support varies, so it's best to contact the school directly to understand their offerings.

New special-needs programmes and schools have also been established. For instance, St Gerald's Centre for Children with Autism, the Kenya Community Centre for Learning (KCCL) and Nile Road Special School.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain. Schools frequently lack necessary infrastructure like ramps, adapted desks and accessible washrooms. The government provides tax exemptions on assistive devices to increase affordability for persons with disabilities, but more investment and support are needed.

Useful links

• Kenya Institute for Specialised Education

Tutors in Nairobi

Finding tutors in Nairobi is straightforward, and the demand for private tutoring has increased significantly in recent years. Parents are keen to supplement their children's education, especially for STEM subjects and exam-oriented tutoring. Many international schools can connect your children with qualified tutors, and there are several online platforms available, such as TutorOcean, Agate Learning Centre and Spire's digital tutoring platforms.

Rates for private tutoring vary depending on the subject, the tutor's level of experience, and whether the sessions are in-person or online. Experienced tutors and those specialising in high-demand subjects like Mathematics and Science tend to charge higher rates.

Useful links

• TutorOcean
• Agate Learning Centre
• Spires