The education system in Kenya is so liberal. Liberal in the sense that you choose where to take your kids for learning. Call it inequality, or simply survival for the fittest. As poverty-ravaged parents ‘enjoy free education’ that the government offers, the sons and daughters of the rich are in a completely different world. They go to quality schools. Here, parents dig deep, and cough millions per term. You will not afford these schools if your pockets are not well oiled. This is where children of wealthy politicians, diplomats, and businesspersons go. In these schools, no confusion of 8-4-4 exits. No KNUT-TSC squabbles. Take a look at Kenya’s top 10 most expensive schools:
- International school of Kenya
It is the most expensive school in the country. With ‘only’ Ksh 2,070,204 per term, your kid goes through the North American curriculum at the International School of Kenya. As the largest international school, it also offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Established in 1976, the school has elementary, middle and high school levels. Elementary school teaches students from pre-kindergarten to grade 5. The middle school takes care of grades 6-8, and High School teaches grades 9-12. It is a nonprofit-making school created though partnership between American and Canada governments. It is located in the outskirt of Nairobi at the end of Peponi road.
- St Andrews Turi
St Andrews Turi is a Christian preparatory and secondary school. The school offers British curriculum. Located in Molo town Nakuru County, the school charges Ksh. 717,500 for borders and Kshs. 624,000 for non-borders per term for grade three students. St Andrews Turi was started in 1931 by the Leverts. The purpose was to provide education for farmers’ children in East Africa. Andrew Boulle heads the senior school, while Fergus Llewellyn is in charge of the preparatory school.
- Greensteds International School
Located 5km away from Nakuru National Park, Greensteds International School is another expensive learning institution. Here, you have to pay Kshs 20,000 to book for a space for your child. Established in 1996, the school offers an English curriculum at both IGCSE and A-level in art, science, French and mathematics. The fee is Kshs 457,000 for day scholars and Kshs 629,000 for boarders in the final grade.
- Brookhouse School
At Brookhouse School, students ‘Learn to Excel.’ If you thought education was expensive, you have not been to Brookhouse. To clear your British curriculum in Kenya, you pay a whopping 9.1 million Kenya shillings. Located in the leafy suburbs of Lang’ata Nairobi, Brookhouse School offers preparatory and secondary education. The school was opened in 1981 for pupils from pre-school and A-level. It charges 505, 000 Kenya Shillings per term for day students and 830,000 Kenya Shillings for borders.
- Peponi School
Allegedly owned by Kenyatta’s family, Peponi School is located 1Km away from Thika superhighway in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The international school was established in 1989 under the British public school tradition. They train and examine student on IGCSE, A/S and A2 at age of 16, 17 and 18 years respectively. The school has state of the art facilities such as water polo, gym and aerobics unlike many ordinary schools that lack a playground. Peponi School charges around Kshs.492, 000 per term (tuition only). Boarders pay Kshs.619, 500
- Hillcrest International School
Hillcrest was set up as preparatory school in 1966 along statehouse road before relocating to Karen in 1973 for expansion. At its inception, the school was owned by Kenneth Matiba, a veteran Kenyan politician. Today, it is owned by by Hillcrest Investments. Here, an academic year runs from September to July where the O levels are examined by IGCSE. ‘A’ level exams are set and marked by CIE, AQA and Edexcel. Proficiency in English is among admission equipments. Hillcrest International School charges 727,800 Kenya shillings per term.
- Braeburn Imani International School
It is among the newest schools in Braeburn Group. Located along Mangu road, Thika, the school offers international curriculum of England in four different stages. Braeburn Imani International School’s fee is 727,899 Kenya shillings per term. The school was established by Del Monte in 1969. It was later taken over by Braeburn in 2011.
- GEMS Cambridge International School
Owned and operated by GEMS education, GEMS Cambridge International School, is located in Karen area. Registration is online before admission is granted. The school home of excellent sports facilities where some Kenyan elite athletes train. They charge Kshs 718, 480 per term. The school offers British curriculum through 4 key stages i.e. IGCSE level, AS Level, A Level and BTEC level. Here, pupils learn using tablets, laptops and projectors.
- The Banda School
Banda school is Located in Lang’ata, 4 km away from the CBD. It borders the Nairobi National Park. It was found by the Chittys in 1966. Headed by Ms Ali Francombe, Banda School is a top performer among preparatory schools in Kenya offering British curriculum. With at least Kshs 695, 000, your son or daughter goes through one academic year.
- Kenton College Preparatory School.
Located in leafy suburbs of Kileleshwa, Kenton College Preparatory School levies an average of Kshs 676, 981 per term. The school was established in 1924 at Kijabe before moving to Westwood Park Hotel in Ngong’ during World War 2 and then to Kileleshwa. The school, which was formally owned by Finlay Cramb, is among the best preparatory schools in the world.
