Top private schools in Kenya: fees, KCSE rankings, and how to choose

Kenya's top private schools range from elite international campuses charging over KES 4 million a year to affordable day schools under KES 200,000. This guide covers the best private secondary schools nationwide, the cheapest options, top boys' schools in Nairobi, and answers parents' most common questions.

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Key takeaways

• The International School of Kenya (ISK) is the most expensive private school, with fees of KES 4.0M–4.85M per year.
• Apostolic Carmel Secondary in Buru Buru offers the lowest fees, at KES 80,000–120,000 per year.
• Moi High School Kabarak topped the 2025 KCSE national rankings with a mean score of 10.6.
• Strathmore School in Nairobi ranked 6th nationally in 2024, with a mean score of 10.5.
• Private schools in Kenya follow different curricula: KCSE (national), IGCSE/A-Levels (British), and IB (international).

Kenya's private school sector has grown sharply over the past decade. The schools below stand out for academic performance, facilities, and national recognition.

School	Location	Curriculum	Boarding facilities
ISK	Kitisuru, Nairobi	North American / IB	Day only
Brookhouse	Karen & Runda, Nairobi	British (IGCSE/A-Levels)	Day & full boarding (Karen campus only)
Peponi School	Ruiru	British (IGCSE/A-Levels)	Day, weekly & full boarding
Hillcrest	Karen, Nairobi	British (IGCSE/A-Levels)	Day & full boarding
St. Andrew's Turi	Molo, Nakuru	British	Day, weekly & full boarding
Greensteds	Nakuru	British (adapted)	Day & full boarding
Kabarak	Nakuru County	KCSE / CBE (National)	Full boarding only
Makini School	Nairobi	KCSE / CBC & Cambridge	Day only
Strathmore School	Lavington, Nairobi	KCSE / CBE (National)	Day only
Light Academy	Nairobi / Mombasa	KCSE / CBE (National)	Day & full boarding

1. Moi High School Kabarak

• Phone number: +254725777449
• Email: info@mhskabarak.sc.ke
• Location: Kabarak, Nakuru

Kabarak, in Nakuru County, topped the 2025 KCSE national rankings with a mean score of 10.6. It is a mixed national private school with a strong boarding tradition. Annual fees range from KES 200,000 to KES 250,000, making it one of the country's best-value top performers.

2. Strathmore School

• Phone number: +254722221221, +254718222222, +254733937945
• Email: info@strathmore.ac.ke
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Strathmore is a Catholic boys' day school in Lavington, Nairobi. It is run by Opus Dei and consistently places among the top private secondary schools in KCSE. In 2024, it ranked 6th nationally with a mean score of 10.5.

3. International School of Kenya (ISK)

• Phone number: +254 733 639363, +254 722 205432, +254 733 639343
• Email: admissions@isk.ac.ke
• Location: Kirawa Road, off Link Road, Kitisuru, Nairobi, Kenya

ISK sits on a 40-acre campus in Kitisuru, Nairobi, and enrols over 900 students from more than 60 countries. It follows a North American curriculum with the IB Diploma Programme. It is a day-only school. Annual fees run from KES 4.0M (Kindergarten) to KES 4.85M (Grades 11–12), making it the most expensive school in Kenya.

4. Brookhouse Schools

• Phone number: Karen Campus ( +254 (0) 722 204413 or +254 (0) 20 2430260), Runda Campus (+254 (0) 111 028500)
• Email: info@brookhouse.ac.ke
• Location: Karen Campus (off Magadi Road, Karen, Nairobi), Runda Campus (Runda Estate, Nairobi)

Brookhouse has campuses in Karen and Runda, Nairobi. Founded in 1981, it follows the British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels, and BTEC). Boarding is available at the Karen campus only. Annual fees reach KES 2.88M for day students in Year 13 and KES 4.55M for full boarders at Karen.

5. Peponi School

• Phone number: +254 (0) 722 287248, +254 (0) 733 615193, +254 (0) 20 2585375
• Email: info@peponischool.org
• Location: Off Thika Road, Sukari Ranch, Ruiru, Kenya

Peponi is a British-curriculum boarding school located in Northlands City, Ruiru. It was founded in 1985. Day fees are approximately KES 2.93M per year; full boarding costs around KES 4.36M per year.

6. Hillcrest International School

• Phone number: +254 (0) 724 255444, +254 (0) 736 210836, +254 (0) 733 255442
• Email: admissions@hillcrest.ac.ke
• Location: Langata Road, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

Hillcrest, established in 1965, sits on Langata Road in Karen, Nairobi. It follows the British curriculum and offers both IGCSE and A-Levels. Senior-year fees (Years 12–13) reach KES 3.08M per year.

7. St. Andrew's School, Turi

• Phone number: +254 (0) 722 209750, +254 (0) 735 337736, +254 (0) 798 226480
• Email: admissions@turimail.co.ke
• Location: Private Bag 20106, C56 Highway, Molo, Kenya

St. Andrew's is a Christian full-boarding school on a 450-acre estate in Molo, Nakuru County. It follows the British curriculum and is known for its extensive grounds, which include a private airstrip, a golf course, and a lake. Senior boarder fees reach approximately KES 3.9M per year. A 5% sibling discount applies from the second child.

8. Greensteds International School

• Phone number: +254 (0) 717 236650, +254 (0) 743 394451, +254 (0) 726 568583
• Email: office@greenstedsschool.com, admissions@greenstedsschool.com
• Location: Private Bag, Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, Nakuru, Kenya

Greensteds, founded in 1936, is one of Kenya's oldest international schools. It sits about six kilometres outside Nakuru town. It offers boarding and follows an adapted British National Curriculum. Annual fees for senior boarders range from KES 2M to KES 2.7M.

9. Makini School

• Phone number: +254 (0) 717 236650, +254 (0) 743 394451, +254 (0) 726 568583
• Email: office@greenstedsschool.com, admissions@greenstedsschool.com
• Location: Private Bag, Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, Nakuru, Kenya

Makini is a well-established Kenyan private school network with a strong KCSE track record. It has historically placed in the top 20 private schools nationally. Annual fees are approximately KES 60,000–150,000 for primary and higher for secondary, making it significantly more affordable than international-curriculum schools.

10. Light Academy

• Phone number: +254 724 100 000, +254 714 383 800
• Email: info@lightacademy.ac.ke
• Location: Karen C, Plot No. 27342, off Lang'ata Road, Karen, Nairobi

Light Academy has campuses in Nairobi and Mombasa. In the 2024 KCSE results, the Nairobi campus ranked 43rd nationally with a mean score of 9.39. It follows the national curriculum and is particularly popular in Nairobi's Muslim community.

Top private boys' secondary schools in Nairobi

For parents specifically looking for boys' secondary schools in Nairobi, these are the strongest performers:

• Strathmore School (Lavington): Consistently Kenya's top private boys' day school; ranked 6th nationally in 2024 KCSE
• Wamy High School (Viwandani, South B): Islamic boys' day school; rated excellent; fees KES 150,000–200,000/year
• Don Bosco Secondary (Juja Road): Catholic boys' day school with technical and practical training; fees KES 120,000–180,000/year
• St. Mary's School, Nairobi (Muthangari): Catholic boys' school; offers KCSE, IGCSE, and IBDP; strong academic reputation

Cheapest private secondary schools in Kenya

If fees are the primary constraint, these schools offer private education at the most accessible prices in Nairobi. The fees are estimates based on various online sources. Confirm with the institution for updated figures.

School	Location	Annual Fees (KES)	Category
Apostolic Carmel Secondary	Buru Buru Phase V	80,000–120,000	Catholic girls' day school
Fedha School	Embakasi	90,000–140,000	Mixed day school
Good Shepherd High School	Dandora Phase III	90,000–150,000	Catholic mixed day
Don Bosco Secondary	Juja Road	120,000–180,000	Catholic boys' day
Wamy High School	South B	150,000–200,000	Islamic boys' day
Consolata School	Westlands	197,000–208,000	Catholic mixed day

FAQ

What are the top 10 private schools in Kenya?

The leading private schools in Kenya, based on a combination of KCSE performance and national reputation, are: Moi High School Kabarak, Strathmore School, ISK, Brookhouse, Peponi School, Hillcrest, St. Andrew's Turi, Greensteds, Makini School, and Light Academy. The ranking shifts each year based on KCSE results.

Which private school is the cheapest in Kenya?

Apostolic Carmel Secondary in Buru Buru, Nairobi, charges KES 80,000–120,000 per year, making it the most affordable private secondary school in Nairobi. For a mix of low cost and strong performance, Moi High School Kabarak charges KES 200,000–250,000 and is a consistent national top performer.

Which schools are C2 in Kenya?

In the KCSE grading system, schools achieving a mean grade of C plain or below are commonly referred to in informal ranking contexts as lower-band schools. Schools that achieve a mean grade of C+ and above qualify their students for direct university entry.

Most of the private schools listed above achieve B or better. If you are looking for a school that accepts students with a C or C+ KCPE entry score, schools like Apostolic Carmel, Fedha School, and similar community private schools are the most accessible.

What are the top private boys' secondary schools in Nairobi?

The top-ranked private boys' secondary schools in Nairobi are Strathmore School (ranked 6th nationally in 2024), St. Mary's School (Muthangari), Wamy High School (South B), and Don Bosco Secondary (Juja Road). Strathmore is the strongest academic performer among private boys' schools in the city.

How do I choose the right private school in Kenya?

Visit the school in person before enrolling. Review KCSE or IGCSE results for the past three to five years. Ask for the full fee schedule, including extras like uniforms, transport, and exam fees. Consider the curriculum (national KCSE vs. British IGCSE/A-Levels vs. IB), location, and boarding options. Speak to other parents about their experience.

These private schools in Kenya offer a mix of academics, sports, and arts to help children thrive. Understanding their strengths can help parents choose the best fit for their child’s future. Each school on the list stands out for its unique approach to learning and growth.

Tuko.co.ke recently published a list of all USIU courses, requirements, application process and fees. United States International University has been one of the premier institutions in Kenya and has created its own footprint in the academic space.

Students enrolling in USIU can access various university facilities. The university is accredited by both the Commission for Higher Education (CUE) in Kenya and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States of America.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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