21 Most Expensive Schools in Kenya: Location, Fee Structure.
One of the significant accomplishments of former President Mwai Kibaki was introducing free primary education in 2002.
Despite this initiative, education in Kenya remains costly, with parents continuing to bear expenses such as tuition fees, textbooks, and sometimes extra teachers.
Public schools have also faced challenges in providing quality education compared to private institutions.
Critics of Kenya’s 8-4-4 education system argued that it was inadequate, prompting the government to adopt the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
However, this new system has also faced criticism, mainly for being expensive and placing additional burdens on parents.
Parents with more financial resources often opt to send their children to private schools, which are perceived as offering superior education.
These schools, often named after foreign countries, teach international curricula such as the British, North American, or German systems, preparing students for further education abroad.
21 Most Expensive Schools in Kenya
21. The Nairobi Academy
The Nairobi Academy charges KES 294,000 to KES 1.188 million per year for tuition.
Located in Karen, Nairobi, The Nairobi Academy is a preparatory and secondary institution offering the British National Curriculum to students aged between two and 19 years. The breakdown of its termly fees is as follows:
| Level | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| PP1 | 98,000 |
| PP2 | 122,000 |
| PP3 | 135,000 |
| PP4 (Year 1) | 169,000 |
| Year 2 | 187,000 |
| Year 3 | 225,000 |
| Year 4 | 240,000 |
| Year 5 | 280,000 |
| Year 6 | 294,000 |
| Year 7 | 312,000 |
| Year 8 | 328,000 |
| Year 9 | 349,000 |
| Year 10 | 364,000 |
| Year 11 (annual) | 1,092,000 |
| Year 12 (annual) | 1,137,000 |
| Year 13 (annual) | 1,137,000 |
| IB Diploma Programme | 1,188,000 |
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20. Rusinga School
Rusinga School offers annual tuition fees ranging from KES 645,000 to KES 1.06 million.
Rusinga School focuses on guiding students through a journey of self-discovery. Its annual fee structure is outlined below:
| Year | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 645,000 |
| Years 2 & 3 | 750,000 |
| Years 4, 5 & 6 | 795,000 |
| Years 7, 8 & 9 | 945,000 |
| Year 10 | 990,000 |
| Year 11 | 1,000,000 |
| Years 12 & 13 | 1,060,000 |
19. Crawford International School
Crawford International School’s tuition fees range between KES 580,200 and KES 1,237,500 per year.
Located in Tatu City, Crawford International School offers a forward-thinking educational approach. The annual fee breakdown is provided below:
| Level | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 580,200 |
| Year 1 | 696,600 |
| Year 2 | 773,400 |
| Year 3 | 812,100 |
| Years 4, 5 & 6 | 928,200 |
| Year 7 | 1,121,100 |
| Years 8 & 9 | 1,160,100 |
| Years 10 & 11 | 1,237,500 |
18. Woodcreek School
Woodcreek School’s annual tuition fees range from KES 690,000 to KES 2,105,100.
Woodcreek School, a Christian-based multicultural school, offers both day and boarding options. The termly fees structure is as follows:
| Year | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 230,000 |
| Year 2 | 251,600 |
| Year 3 | 264,500 |
| Year 4 | 271,200 |
| Year 5 | 291,000 |
| Year 6 | 297,300 |
| Years 7 & 8 | 302,500 |
| Year 9 | 324,300 |
| Year 10 | 347,900 |
| Year 11 | 597,750 |
| Years 12 & 13 | 701,700 |
17. Braeside Thika
Braeside Thika charges tuition fees between KES 104,700 and KES 1.344 million per year.
Braeside Thika is part of the Braeburn Group, offering the British National Curriculum for children aged 3 to 18. The annual fees are broken down as follows:
| Level | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Crèche | 104,700 |
| Playgroup | 236,100 |
| FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 | 437,700 |
| Years 1 & 2 | 561,000 |
| Years 3 & 4 | 771,900 |
| Years 5 & 6 | 843,600 |
| Years 7 & 8 | 1,110,900 |
| Year 9 | 1,162,500 |
| Year 10 | 1,192,500 |
| Year 11 (IGCSE) | 1,192,500 |
| Years 12 & 13 (BTEC) | 1,344,000 |
16. St. Christopher’s International School
St. Christopher’s annual tuition fees range from KES 822,000 to KES 1.85 million.
St. Christopher’s International School is a prominent co-educational institution that offers both day and boarding options, catering to kindergarten, preparatory, and secondary levels. The termly tuition fees are structured as follows:
- Years 1-3: KES 274,000
- Years 4-6: KES 340,000
- Years 7-9: KES 396,000
- Year 10: KES 432,000
- Year 11: KES 608,000
- Year 12: KES 619,000
15. German School Nairobi
The German School in Nairobi charges between €8,227 and €13,374 annually, which is approximately KES 1.2 million to KES 1.92 million for tuition.
The German School Nairobi offers an education leading to either a secondary school diploma or the German International Abitur. It is a co-educational institution. The breakdown of annual tuition fees is as follows:
- Kindergarten (full day): €8,227 (KES 1.2 million)
- Classes 1-4: €11,410 (KES 1.64 million)
- Classes 5-12: €13,374 (KES 1.92 million)
14. Kenton College Preparatory School
Kenton College Preparatory School charges a flat annual fee of KES 1.92 million for tuition.
- Founded: 1924
- Location: Kileleshwa, Nairobi
- Curriculum: International, with over 30 nationalities represented
- Notable Alumni: Gideon Moi, Jason, and Martin Dunford
In addition, there is a non-refundable admission fee of KES 150,000 paid to the Kenton College Trust upon acceptance.
13. International French School of Nairobi
At the International French School of Nairobi, tuition fees range from KES 700,000 to KES 2,040,531 per year.
The International French School of Nairobi, also known as Lycée Denis Diderot, is located in Kilimani and is part of a global network of French international schools. The fees for local students are as follows:
- Kindergarten: KES 700,000
- Elementary: KES 1,089,103
- Middle School: KES 1,237,582
- High School: KES 1,654,940 – 2,040,531
12. Light International School
Light International School’s fees range from KES 498,000 to KES 2,016,000 annually for tuition.
Light International School operates across five branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi. Their termly fees are structured as follows:
- Kindergarten: KES 166,000
- Years 1-2: KES 216,000
- Years 3-4: KES 263,000
- Years 5-6: KES 341,000
- Years 7-8: KES 370,000
- Years 9-10: KES 392,000
- Year 11: KES 588,000
- Years 12-13: KES 672,000
11. The German School Nairobi
- Founded: 1969
- Location: Gigiri, Nairobi
- Curriculum: German (Thuringian)
- Languages: German-speaking families preferred
- Fees: Ksh 1,149,992 per year
- Notable: Offers the German International Baccalaureate (DIAP)
10. Rosslyn Academy
Tuition Fee: KES 1.345 million per year
Rosslyn Academy is an international Christian school located in Nairobi. The institution follows a North American curriculum and charges approximately KES 1.345 million ($10,000) annually.
9. Banda School
The Banda School charges between KES 1.32 million and KES 2.196 million per year for tuition.
- Founded: 1966
- Location: Nairobi, opposite Nairobi National Park
- Curriculum: British
- Notable Alumni: Olympic Gold Medalist Crista Cullen
8. Braeburn Imani International School
Braeburn School’s tuition fees range between KES 888,300 and KES 2,395,800 annually, for tuition only.
- Founded: 1969 (formerly Imani School)
- Location: Thika
- Curriculum: British (National Curriculum of England and Wales)
- Notable Alumni: YouTuber Eloide Zone, media personality Julie Gichuru
The fee structure is outlined below:
- FS1 (Nursery – mornings only): KES 888,300
- FS1 (Nursery – full day): KES 987,900
- FS2 (Reception): KES 987,900
- Years 1-6: KES 2,011,800
- Years 7-8: KES 2,080,800
- Year 9: KES 2,100,000
- Year 10: KES 2,239,200
- Year 11 (IGCSE): KES 2,239,200
- Years 12-13 (AS/A2/BTEC): KES 2,395,800
7. St. Andrews, Turi
St. Andrews Turi offers a combined tuition and boarding fee that ranges from KES 754,000 to KES 1.128 million annually.
- Founded: 1931
- Location: Turi, Nakuru
- Curriculum: British
- Notable Alumni: Margaret Kenyatta, Douglas Carswell
| Year | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Years 1 & 2 | 754,000 |
| Years 3 & 4 | 784,000 |
| Years 5 & 6 | 840,000 |
| Years 7 & 8 | 906,000 |
| Year 9 | 963,000 |
| Years 10 & 11 | 1,043,000 |
| Years 12 & 13 | 1,128,000 |
6. Hillcrest School
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Karen, Nairobi
- Curriculum: British
- Fees: Ksh 733,800 to Ksh 2,398,725 per year
- Notable Alumni: Size 8, Edith Kimani, Michelle Morghan
Hillcrest International School is known for its inclusive philosophy and diverse student body. The annual tuition fees are listed below:
- Playgroup (mornings only): KES 321,600
- Nursery (mornings only): KES 642,600
- Nursery (full day): KES 792,600
- FS1 (mornings only): KES 707,100
- FS1 (full day): KES 856,800
- FS2: KES 967,200
- Year 1: KES 1,124,400
- Year 2: KES 1,619,100
- Years 3-5: KES 2,046,600
- Year 6: KES 2,105,100
- Years 7-8: KES 2,197,500
- Year 9: KES 2,270,400
- Year 10: KES 2,452,200
- Year 11: KES 2,452,200
- Years 12-13 (A’Levels): KES 2,590,800
- Years 12-13 (BTEC and A’Levels combinations): Range from KES 1,929,000 to KES 2,590,800
5. Greensted International School
At Greensteds, students pay between KES 1.27 million and KES 2.6 million annually, which covers both tuition and boarding.
- Founded: 1936
- Location: Naivasha-Nakuru highway
- Curriculum: British
- Notable Alumni: Ajuma Nasanyana
Greensteds International School, located six kilometres from Nakuru, was founded in 1936 and follows an adapted form of the National Curriculum of England. The termly fees for boarding students are listed below:
- Years 1 and 2: KES 424,000
- Years 3 and 4: KES 472,000
- Years 5 and 6: KES 543,500
- Years 7 and 8: KES 678,000
- Year 9: KES 751,000
- Years 10 and 11: KES 814,500
- Years 12 and 13: KES 895,000
4. Woodland Star International School
Located in the tea fields of Tigoni, Woodland Star International School is a small, progressive institution that charges between $14,880 to $17,490 (approximately KES 2 to 3.2 million) per year. The tuition structure varies depending on whether fees are self-paid or employer-paid:
| Grade | Self-Paid (Annual) | Employer-Paid (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten to Grade 5 | $14,880 | $21,870 |
| Grades 6 to 8 | $15,660 | $23,010 |
| Grade 9 and above | $17,490 | $24,000 |
3. Peponi School
Peponi School, established in 1989, is located off Thika Road in Northlands City. It charges between KES 2.8 million and KES 3.8 million per year for tuition and boarding, following the National Curriculum for England and Wales.
For years nine to 13, the fee is KES 1,288,035 per term, while years seven and eight pay KES 959,500 per term.
- Founded: 1989
- Location: Gicheha farm, Ruiru
- Curriculum: British Independent School System
- Ownership: Kenyatta family
2. Brookhouse School
Brookhouse School charges between KES 400,000 to KES 3.9 million per year. Located in the serene suburbs of Karen and Runda, Brookhouse was established in 1981 and follows the British curriculum.
- Founded: 1981
- Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi
- Curriculum: British
- Notable Alumni: Louise Leakey, E-Sir, Janet Mbugua
Below is the termly breakdown for tuition:
- Year 1: KES 400,000
- Year 2: KES 675,000
- Year 3: KES 680,000
- Year 4: KES 685,000
- Year 5: KES 695,000
- Year 6: KES 745,000
- Years 7 and 8: KES 750,000
- Year 9: KES 830,000
- Year 10: KES 850,000
- Year 11: KES 1,275,000
- Year 12: KES 870,000
- Year 13: KES 1,305,000
1. The International School of Kenya (ISK)
ISK ranks as the most expensive school in Kenya. It offers a yearly tuition fee that ranges between $18,500 and $36,600 (equivalent to KES 2.5 million to KES 4.9 million), depending on the student’s grade level.
ISK is a private, non-profit institution offering education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.
- Founded: 1976
- Location: Nairobi
- Curriculum: North American, International Baccalaureate
- Ownership: Co-owned by the US Embassy and Canadian government
- Notable Alumni: Dan Eldon, Karen Graham, Ehsani siblings
Below is the detailed breakdown of the fees (tuition only per year):
- Pre-kindergarten: $18,500
- Kindergarten: $30,200
- Grades 1 to 5: $31,900
- Grades 6 to 8: $33,300
- Grades 9 and 10: $35,200
- Grades 11 and 12: $36,600
Private School Costs in Kenya
The cost of private education in Kenya varies widely depending on factors such as curriculum, facilities, location, and prestige. While some private schools are low-cost, others cater to affluent families with high fees.
Notable Schools with High Fees Globally and in Africa
Globally, Institut Le Rosey, also known as Le Rosey, is regarded as one of the most prestigious and expensive boarding schools. In Africa, some of the priciest schools include Hilton College, Michaelhouse, The German School Nairobi, St Andrew’s College, and the International School of Kenya.
Conclusion
Education in Kenya remains a significant investment, especially for parents seeking private institutions that offer international curricula.
The fees charged by Kenya’s most expensive schools are considerably higher than those of public institutions, attracting students from wealthier backgrounds.
While free primary education has been a positive step, many families still struggle with the high costs associated with both public and private schooling.
21 Most Expensive Schools in Kenya: Location, Fee Structure.
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