Kenya (KE)

Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.

Capital: Nairobi

Region: Africa

Language: Swahili

Currency: KES (Ksh)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)

Emergency: 999

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Kenya.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Baby Class / Pre-nursery KES 5,000–30,000/month (public to premium private)

Age: 1.5–3 years

Direct contact with nursery/daycare school. Pay term fees. Most require birth certificate and immunisation records.

⏱️ International schools and premium daycares (in Karen, Lavington, Gigiri) can have waiting lists — apply 6–12 months in advance.

Nursery / Kindergarten KES 2,000–8,000 (government/public) / KES 15,000–60,000 (international)

Age: 3–5 years (PP1, PP2 — Pre-Primary Years 1 and 2)

Subsidy available

Government pre-primary schools are free under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Private and international nurseries charge fees.

Government: enroll at local public school. International: apply directly with passport, birth certificate, immunisation records, and previous school reports.

🏫 Schools

Public and Private (CBC curriculum) Free

Primary School (Grade 1–6)

Ages: 6–12 years · Language: English (primary instruction) and Swahili. Mother tongue taught in lower primary in government schools.

Government schools: apply at local school, free of charge. Private international schools: application form, previous school reports, assessment test, passport and birth certificate.

Kenya transitioned to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017. CBC runs: Grade 1–6 (Primary), Grade 7–9 (Junior Secondary), Grade 10–12 (Senior Secondary). International schools follow IGCSE, IB, or American curricula. Most expat families use international schools for English-medium education with internationally recognised qualifications.

Public and Private (CBC Junior and Senior Secondary) Paid

Secondary School / High School (Grade 7–12)

Ages: 12–18 years · Language: English

Government secondary schools: Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results used for placement. International schools: direct application with transcripts and assessment.

Under CBC, Junior Secondary (Grade 7–9) is now hosted at primary schools. Senior Secondary (Grade 10–12) streams students into Science & Technology, Arts & Social Sciences, or Sports & Applied Technology. IGCSE and A-Level options available at international schools.

International Schools

Nairobi has one of Africa's largest concentrations of international schools. Top options: International School of Kenya (ISK, American curriculum, IB), Braeburn Schools (British curriculum, IGCSE/A-Level, multiple campuses), Rosslyn Academy (American/Christian, PK–12), St. Austin's Academy (IB/British), Aga Khan Academy Nairobi (IB, PK–Grade 12), Hillcrest International Schools (British, IGCSE/A-Level), Banda School (British, preparatory), Peponi School (British boarding). Annual fees: KES 1.5M–5M+ (USD 11,500–38,500) depending on school and grade. Most expat employers include school fees as part of the compensation package. Places at top schools are competitive — apply 1 year in advance.

University

Tuition fee

Public universities: KES 50,000–200,000/year (government-sponsored). Private universities: KES 150,000–600,000/year. International students: similar to private rates. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, and Aga Khan University are top institutions.

Semester fee

No separate semester fee concept in Kenya — annual/term-based tuition payment.

Student visa

Student pass required for non-EAC international students. Duration: course length (up to 3 years). Apply via Department of Immigration (immigration.go.ke or ecitizen.go.ke) with admission letter and proof of fee payment.

Health insurance

SHA coverage available for students. Most private universities require private health insurance enrollment or offer student group plans. Aga Khan University Hospital student plans available.

Application process

Government-sponsored university placement via Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) based on KCSE results. Private universities accept direct applications. International qualifications (A-Level, IB, SAT) accepted at most private universities and some public ones.

🗣️ Language Courses

Swahili Language Course

Provider: Institute of Language Studies, University of Nairobi; Kenya Institute of Professional Studies (KIPS) · Duration: 3–6 months per level · Levels: Beginner (Msingi) to Advanced (Juu). KNEC-certified courses available.

KES 15,000–40,000 per level/semester

Swahili courses widely available. Most expats find basic Swahili phrases (greetings, market Swahili) sufficient for daily life. More useful for upcountry travel and community engagement.

Private Swahili Tutoring

Provider: Various private tutors via BrighterMonday, UrbanTeacher, and personal recommendations · Duration: Flexible · Levels: All levels

KES 2,000–5,000/hour

Most flexible and fastest learning route. Many tutors offer sessions at your home or office. Also available online via Zoom.

Kenya Institute of Professional Studies (KIPS)

Provider: KIPS · Duration: 3 months · Levels: Beginner to Intermediate

KES 15,000–25,000 per course

Well-regarded institution for short professional courses including Swahili. Also offers IT, accounting, and business courses useful for expats.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Kenya — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere