Nairobi County is one of Kenya’s 47 counties, and it was formed due to the new 2010 constitution. It is also one of Kenya’s largest schools with a vast pool of resources, and when it comes to the education sector, the county is leading with some known schools (both public and private).
A bright future for any child starts with a solid foundation, especially when it comes to the choice of school. Nairobi County has at least 1,000 private schools, with 768 of them in the ECDE, 907 Primary, and 283 private schools (Eastleigh Voice).
The Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) was founded in 1994 by visionary owners of well-established private schools in Nairobi and other parts of the country. It established a framework for quality private education in the region. KPSA records more than 10,400 registered private primary schools with a population of over 2,100,000 children and about 1,600 registered private secondary schools with over 277,416 students in Kenya.
With that said, here are the best Private Schools in Nairobi County alone.
What are Private Schools In Kenya?
Private schools in Kenya are educational institutions that are privately owned and operated, independent of government funding and control.
What sets most private schools apart from public schools is that they offer various curricula, including the Kenyan 8-4-4 system, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Additionally, they offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and enhanced facilities compared to public institutions. Many private schools also maintain higher teacher-to-student ratios, allowing for more personalized attention and support for individual student needs.
Top 20 Private Schools in Nairobi County
1. Strathmore School
Strathmore School is a leading private school for boys, offering education at both the primary and secondary levels. The school was started in March 1961, and today, it has risen to be not only the best school in Nairobi but the whole country. Strathmore School consistently ranks among the top performers with a mean score of A- 77.060. The results from KCPE in 2023 were quite impressive, as were the 2023 KCSE results, which produced a mean score of 10.08.
The 2025 admission for Strathmore School is now open, and you can apply to join by getting the admissions form physically from the school. The school follows a selective admission process that includes academic assessments and interviews to ensure students can meet their rigorous academic standards. You can reach the school using the contacts below:
Contact Information:
- Email: info@strathmore.ac.ke
- Tel: +254722221221, +254718222222, +254733937945
- P. O. Box: 25095-00603 NAIROBI, KENYA
- Website: www.strathmore.ac.ke
2. Light Academy Nairobi
As the name suggests, Light Academy Nairobi is located in Nairobi County and Mombasa County. It is ranked as one of the top private high schools in Nairobi. The school is located off Ngong Road in Nairobi, and it offers both the international IGCSE and 8-4-4 curricula, providing students with globally recognized qualifications.
Joining the school will require you to have a minimum of 350 Marks, and you must have sat and done your interview and passed. Since it is private, the fee structure is a bit high; you can expect to pay between Ksh 130,000 and Ksh 195,000 just as a tuition fee. The school also offers various payment plans to accommodate different family financial situations. You can get a complete fee structure on the school’s website using the link.
The school’s Nairobi branches are in Karen, Lavington, and Lenana. The multiple campus locations provide convenience for families across different parts of the city. Also, you can contact the school using the contacts below:
Contact Information:
- P. O. Box: 13413 – 00100
- Address: KAREN C, OFF LANG’ATA ROAD.
- Phone: +254 724100000
- Email: info@lightacademy.ac.ke
3. Kianda School
Kianda School is a private girls’ primary and secondary school founded in 1977. It started with 40 students, but now the school has more than 830 students at both the primary and secondary levels. Over the years, Kianda School has been ranked among the top 10 girls’ schools in Kenya in the national examinations. It consistently produces excellent KCSE results, and many students proceed to prestigious universities locally and internationally.
The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, offering a comprehensive co-curricular program that includes sports, music, drama, and leadership development activities.
Contact Information:
- P. O. Box: 48328-00100, GPO Nairobi Kenya
- Email: info@kiandaschool.ac.ke
- Tel: 0733 846 959, 020 807 7381, 020 2477 381
- Location: Kabarsiran Avenue, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite CAK
- Website: kiandaschool.ac.ke
4. Riara Springs Girls’ High School
Riara Springs Girls’ High School was founded in 2000 by Dr (Mrs) Eddah W. Gachukia with the aim of empowering girls in the country. Riara Springs Girls achieved a 2024 KCSE mean score of 9.2, positioning it among the top-performing schools in the region. The school is not only focused on high school education, but it also has several branches in Nairobi, such as the Riara Spring Girls group of schools.
The school offers the Kenyan 8-4-4 curriculum, with computer studies being compulsory for Form 1 and Form 2 students. This ensures that students are well-prepared for the digital economy and modern workplace requirements. Admission forms can be obtained by directly visiting the school’s premises.
Contact Information:
- PO BOX: 21389 – 00505 Nairobi
- Call: 0703 038 100/200
- Email: info@riaraschools.ac.ke
5. Makini Schools
Makini Schools, established in 1978, is one of the best schools in Kenya. It was founded by Late Dr. Pius Okelo and Dr. Mary Okelo in Nairobi, but they have branches in Kisumu County, also. Makini School is one of Nairobi’s most reputable private institutions, offering the 8-4-4 and CBC curricula at a relatively affordable cost.
Makini Group of Schools is a group of boys’ and girls’ schools offering international and competency-based curricula in Kenya. The school is known for its strong alumni network, with graduates excelling in various professional fields both locally and internationally. The admission process and fee structure can be found on the school’s website.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 020 3877138, 020 3871874, (+254) 748 651 791
- Email: accounts@makinischool.com, admissions@makinischool.com
- WhatsApp: (+254) 791 781 370 or 0713 149 559
6. Consolata School Nairobi
The Consolata School is another private school in Nairobi offering ECDE, primary, and secondary education. It is a Catholic school sponsored mainly by the Consolata missionaries. The school follows Kenya’s 8-4-4 and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and offers preschool, primary, and secondary education, providing a seamless educational journey from early childhood through secondary school.
Joining the school is easy; all you need to do is review the school’s admission requirements and obtain the admission form at the school headquarters in the Nairobi Westlands Area. The school maintains high academic standards while fostering Catholic values and moral development.
Contact Information:
- Address: Westlands, Chiromo Road
- PO Box: 14538/00800 Nairobi, Kenya
- Reception: 0739 499014
- Nursery: 0723773132
- Primary: 0732 557004
- Secondary: 0739 499013
7. The Aga Khan High School
The Aga Khan High School is a day private secondary school. It is part of the Aga Khan Education Services, which operates over 200 schools worldwide, bringing international standards and best practices to Kenyan education. It was founded in 1961, and joining this place of learning means you have to score above 300 marks in KCPE exams. The school features the 8-4-4 Kenya National Curriculum from Form 1 to Form 4, but there are plans to start having the CBC.
The school is renowned for its strong emphasis on community service and global citizenship, preparing students to become responsible leaders in their communities.
Contact Information:
- Address: Waiyaki Way, Nairobi
- PO Box: 42171-00100 Nairobi KENYA
- Phone: +254 736 801 580
8. Loreto Convent Msongari
Loreto Convent Msongari is a private girls’ school and perhaps the oldest private school in the country. It was founded by the Loreto sisters in 1921, and by 1975, it had been a primary and secondary school. Today, the school has 60 certified teachers and more than 2000 students who are currently enrolled, maintaining its reputation as one of Nairobi’s most established educational institutions.
The school’s long history has created a strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, with many distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to Kenyan society.
To join Loreto Msongari, go through the school curriculum on their official website and then obtain the application forms by visiting the school personally. Alternatively, you can contact them directly using the contacts below:
Contact Information:
- Address: Loreto Convent Valle Road, Nairobi
- Secondary: +254724921634
- Primary: +254707592698
- Primary Email: admin-pry@lcvr.co.ke
- Secondary Email: admin-sec@lcvr.co.ke
9. St Mary’s School
The St Mary’s School is a boys’ private primary and secondary academy in Nairobi. It was founded in 1939 and is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church. They offer programs for junior schools focusing on CBC and senior schools focusing on the International Baccalaureate, providing students with globally recognized qualifications that facilitate admission to top universities worldwide.
The application process can be done directly via the school’s website, or you can also opt to download the application form available online, fill it out, and submit it to the school. However, to be admitted to the school, you must sit and pass the interview test. If you pass, you will pick the admission letter, fee structure and uniform list from the school.
Contact Information:
- PO BOX: 40580 00100 Nairobi
- Tel: +254-721-490140/ + 254-735-337809/ 254-020-4444569
- Email: info@stmarys.ac.ke
10. St Hannah’s Girls’ High School
St Hannah’s Girls’ High School is a private boarding school for boys and girls in Karen, Nairobi. It offers primary and secondary education, featuring the 8-4-4 curriculum and the Competency-based Curriculum (CBC). The 2025 admissions are currently ongoing, and you can apply directly from the school’s website link.
The school’s Karen location provides a conducive learning environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing students to focus on their studies while enjoying modern facilities.
Contact Information:
- P.O Box: 46988, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Girls High School: 020-2112660, 0721 259102
- Boys High School: 020 2112656, 0716 205512
11. The Nairobi Leadership Academy
The Nairobi Leadership Academy is a private boarding and day school located at the heart of Nairobi County. It offers education in the preschool, primary and secondary education levels, featuring both the 8-4-4 and IGCSE curricula. The school focuses on developing leadership skills alongside academic excellence, preparing students for future leadership roles in various sectors.
Contact Information:
- P.O BOX: 1953-00100, Mugoya Phase III
- Address: South C, Nairobi-Kenya
- Phone: +254 790 000 003 / +254 742 749 074
- Email: info@nla.sc.ke | admissions@nla.sc.ke
- Website: www.nla.sc.ke
12. Nairobi Muslim Academy
As the name suggests, the Nairobi Muslim Academy is a private school in Nairobi that mainly advocates for Muslim religion. The school was founded in 1995 and offers education from the earlier years, from middle school to junior and secondary level. The academy integrates Islamic values with modern education, providing a comprehensive learning experience for Muslim students.
The academy was among the best-performing KCSE schools in the region, with an average mean grade of 8.64 in the 2023 KCSE exams. The school’s fee structure varies depending on the education level, and you can find the whole fee structure for 2025 on the school’s website. The admission process also starts with obtaining and submitting forms online to the school.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254 20 6009140
- Email: info@nairobimuslimacademy.sc.ke
- Address: Muhoho Avenue, South C, Nairobi
13. Sunshine Secondary School
Sunshine is a Christian private school in Nairobi that Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi established in 1995. It has schools for the kindergarten, lower primary and junior secondary schools. Sunshine is already accepting applications for 2025, which can be done online or by visiting the school individually for registration.
The school emphasizes Christian values while providing quality education across all levels, creating a nurturing environment for holistic student development.
Contact Information:
- ADDRESS: PO Box 56890 – 00200, Nairobi Langata Road
- Phone: +254 725668366, +254 770562570
- Email: info@sunshineschool.sc.ke
14. Mount Laverna Secondary School
It is a Christian girls’ high school established in 2005. Mount Laverna is located in Kasarani Constituency and is also one of the best-performing private high schools in Nairobi County. It follows the Kenyan 8-4-4 education system and focuses on developing confident, capable young women ready for higher education and professional careers.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254 722 544 951
- Email: info@mountlavernaschool.ac.ke
- Location: Kasarani
15. St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School is a Catholic high school that offers education to needy and orphaned students. Before joining the school, students must at least serve in their communities for six months to build empathy and a spirit of giving back. This unique requirement reflects the school’s commitment to developing socially responsible citizens.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254-715-409-166 / 0113534760
- Email: info@staloysiusgonzaga.ac.ke
- Location: Langata, Chweya Road, off Ngong Langata
16. Wamy High School
Wamy School is another top-performing Islamic private school in South B, Nairobi, Kenya. The school uses both the 8-4-4 and the competency-based curriculum. Admission is only open to students who have scored above 320 marks in the KCPE, and one can get the application forms through the school website, fill them out, and submit them officially to the school for processing.
Contact Information:
- Address: Viwandani – Mombasa Road Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: +254 792 717 082
- Email: info@wamyhighschool.ac.ke
17. St. Elizabeth Girls’ High School
The school is located in Nairobi County, but also has a branch in Mombasa County. In Nairobi, it is located about 1km from the Karen shopping centre on Tree Lane off Ngong Road. They offer both the 8-4-4 and IGCSE curricula, providing flexibility for students with different academic goals and university aspirations. To join St. Elizabeth Girls’ High School, you need to personally visit the school to collect the admissions form and submit your application.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254722873115
- Email: st.elizabeth@wananchi.com
- Location: Tree Lane, Off Ngong Road
18. German School Nairobi
The German School Nairobi, also known as Deutsche Schule Nairobi, is a German international school in Nairobi, Kenya. It has students in kindergarten, primary school, and secondary school. Anyone can apply to join the school, including students from low-income families, with an option to apply for school fee reduction. Similarly, the application forms can be found on the school’s website; just download it, fill it and submit it to the school so you can be admitted.
The school offers German and international curricula, making it an excellent choice for families seeking European-standard education or those planning to pursue higher education in Germany.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254 (0)721-25 84 17
- Email: info@germanschool.co.ke
- Location: Parklands/Highridge, Limuru Road
19. Oshwal Academy Nairobi
The Oshwal Academy was established in 1950 in Nairobi, but today, it also has one more branch in Mombasa. It has schools from the primary, nursery, junior, and senior high school. Oshwal Academy only uses the British National Curriculum. At the end of it, all the students have to sit for the A-level exams, which are recognized by universities worldwide, particularly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +254 (0) 721 821962/+254 (0) 787 157166
- Location: Wambugu Lane, Off Parklands Road
20. Brookhouse School
Brookhouse School is a well-reputed private school in Nairobi, the entire East African region, and even abroad. The school was founded in 1981 by the Puxley family, and by 2020, the school was already the best IGCSE school in Kenya. They offer education from kindergarten to primary and secondary school, with a strong focus on international standards and global university preparation.
The application process can be done through the website. Head to the admission section and click on the campus you want to go to. Fill in the application form with your child’s report card attached and submit it. If everything goes well, your child must sit for the assessment test and interview. By the way, the registration fee will be Ksh 45,000 per child. Details on fees for any level of education can also be found on the website.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 0726 855 858/ 0742 550 647
- Email: info@brookshine.ac.ke
- Location: Off Kangundo Road, Kamulu
How to Choose the Best Private School
Below are the criteria that you must pay attention to while selecting a private school in Nairobi.
1. Academic Performance
How well a school performs is the number one factor that you should pay attention to. And since most private schools either feature the IGCSE or the Kenyan curriculum, analyze them and see how they compete against each other before you make your choice. Look at their KCSE mean scores, university admission rates, and subject-specific performance data.
2. Facilities & Resources
Well, it’s not just academic excellence that makes a school best for your children. Children are gifted differently and, therefore, pay attention to other factors, such as the facilities that offer co-curricular activities. These will mold a child to become a better person in society by making them well-rounded. Essential facilities include libraries, science laboratories, computer labs, sports facilities, arts centers, and medical facilities.
3. Teacher Quality and Student-Teacher Ratio
Qualified, experienced teachers make a significant difference in educational outcomes. Look for schools with properly trained teachers, reasonable student-teacher ratios, and ongoing professional development programs.
4. Reputation & Alumni Success
Lastly, check what former students say today about the school. Go through the school website, read testimonials, and ensure that you choose schools that will have a significant impact on your child’s education journey. Research on where graduates have been admitted to universities and their career achievements.
5. Location and Transport
Consider the school’s accessibility from your home, availability of school transport, and the safety of the surrounding area.
6. Values and Culture Alignment
Choose a school whose values and culture align with your family’s beliefs and expectations for your child’s development.
Conclusion
And there you have it, parents and students. We hope that this article has given you a clear overview of some of the best private schools in the Nairobi region. With 2025 upon us, the demand for quality education is higher than ever, and private institutions are stepping up to the plate. We may not have listed all the schools, and thus, we encourage you to do further research before making your own decision. Remember that the best school for your child is one that matches their learning style, interests, and your family’s values and financial capacity. All the best from us, and if you need any assistance, let us interact below in the comments section.
