International School Fees in Nairobi: 2026 Cost Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: How much do international schools in Nairobi cost in 2026? In 2026, British-curriculum international schools in Nairobi charge roughly KES 900,000 to 2 million a year for primary and KES 1.5 to 3.5 million for secondary, usually billed per term. IB and American schools can go higher. Budget also for a refundable deposit, application fees, transport, lunch and exam fees.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

International school fees in Nairobi vary more than many families expect. A British preparatory school in Karen, a large IGCSE and A Level school in Lavington and an IB campus on the Limuru Road all compete for the same expatriate and Kenyan families, and their pricing models are quite different. This guide sets out realistic 2026 ranges, how schools bill and which extras you should build into your budget.

Nairobi is the regional hub for the United Nations, NGOs and many multinationals, so demand for international places is steady. Fees are almost always quoted in Kenyan shillings per term, although some schools also publish US dollar equivalents for families on international contracts.

Where the schools are and why it matters

Most international schools cluster in the leafy western and northern suburbs: Karen and Langata in the southwest, Lavington, Kileleshwa and Westlands closer to the centre, and Gigiri, Runda and Rosslyn near the UN complex in the north. Traffic in Nairobi is notoriously heavy, and a 15 kilometre trip can take an hour at peak times, so most families choose the school first and then rent nearby.

The Kenyan school year for international schools usually follows a three-term calendar, either September to July for British and IB schools or January to November for schools aligned with the Kenyan system. Fees are billed per term in advance.

Curricula on offer

English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels, the most common route at the large British schools.
IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes at several schools.
American curriculum with AP courses.
Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at private Kenyan schools, which some international families choose for longer stays.

A verifiable fact worth knowing: Kenya began replacing its 8-4-4 system with the Competency-Based Curriculum in 2017, moving to a 2-6-3-3 structure. The last KCPE primary exams under 8-4-4 were sat in 2023, so primary and junior school classes at private Kenyan schools now follow CBC, while the final 8-4-4 secondary cohorts are phasing out.

Schools to compare on price

These Nairobi schools have verified profiles on International School Advisor with reviews and indicative prices.

Hillcrest International Schools

A group of schools in Karen covering early years to A Levels on the British curriculum. It is a good reference point for mid-to-upper British pricing in southwest Nairobi, with a strong outdoor and sports programme.

Braeburn School

One of the best known British-curriculum schools in the city, with IGCSE and A Levels. Fees sit in the upper band, and families should ask about the refundable deposit, which is a significant sum.

Braeburn Garden Estate School

The Braeburn campus in Garden Estate, off Thika Road, following the British curriculum. It suits families living in the north and east who want to avoid the cross-town commute.

Braeside School

A British-curriculum school in Lavington with a smaller, more personal feel. Its fees are usually a notch below the largest schools, which makes it a popular choice for families who pay without an employer allowance.

What families pay in 2026

The ranges below are indicative annual tuition figures for 2026, based on published fee schedules and family reports. They are billed across three terms.

Early years and reception: roughly KES 500,000 to 1.2 million per year.
Primary (Years 1 to 6): roughly KES 900,000 to 2 million per year.
Secondary to IGCSE: roughly KES 1.5 to 2.8 million per year.
A Levels or IB Diploma: roughly KES 2 to 3.5 million per year, with the top IB and American schools above that.

Extras to budget for

Application and assessment fee, non-refundable, usually paid with the form.
Refundable deposit or caution money, often equal to one term of tuition, returned when your child leaves.
Transport, which can be a meaningful monthly cost given distances and traffic.
Lunch, uniforms, co-curricular clubs and swimming.
Exam fees for IGCSE, A Level or the IB Diploma, and residential trips.

Kenyan law treats most educational services as exempt from VAT, so tuition invoices normally carry no VAT, though some ancillary services such as transport or catering can be handled differently. Check how your school invoices these items.

Sibling discounts, bursaries and how to lower the bill

Most Nairobi international schools offer a sibling discount, typically 5 to 10 percent for the second child and more for the third or fourth. A few also give a small reduction for paying the full year in advance rather than term by term, which can be worth asking about if your employer pays annually.

Bursaries and scholarships exist but are limited and aimed mainly at Kenyan students with strong academic, sporting or music records. For expatriate families the more realistic saving comes from choosing the right entry point: joining in Year 7 rather than Year 9 avoids paying for an extra round of assessments and uniform changes, and staying within one school group from primary to secondary often means no second deposit.

It also helps to understand how fee increases work. Schools normally announce new fees once a year, for the following September, and increases in recent years have often been in the high single digits in shilling terms. If your allowance is fixed in dollars, a stable or stronger shilling can quietly raise your real cost, so build a margin of 10 percent into your first two years of planning.

Finally, remember the notice period. Most schools require a full term of written notice before withdrawal, or they keep the deposit or charge a term in lieu. For families on short postings this is often the single most expensive surprise.

Practical tips for Nairobi families

Check what your employer covers. Many UN and NGO packages pay tuition but not the deposit or transport. Clarify this before you accept a place, because the deposit is due on acceptance.

Apply early for Year 7 and Year 12. These are the main entry points at the large British schools and fill quickly, especially for September starts. Waiting lists are common.

Test the commute. Drive the route at 6.45 in the morning before you sign a lease. Many families find that living within five kilometres of school changes daily life completely.

See the ranking of schools in Nairobi

Compare ratings, reviews and prices in the ranking of the best schools in Nairobi before you book visits.

More guides to schools in Nairobi

Frequently asked questions

Are international school fees in Nairobi quoted in shillings or dollars?

Most schools quote and invoice in Kenyan shillings per term. Some publish US dollar equivalents for families on international contracts, and a few American or IB schools price in dollars. Confirm the invoicing currency, because exchange rate movements can change your real cost over a year.

Is there a refundable deposit at Nairobi international schools?

Yes, most schools ask for a refundable deposit or caution money when you accept a place, often around one term of tuition. It is returned, sometimes minus outstanding charges, when your child leaves and you give the required notice, usually one full term.

When should I apply for a place in Nairobi?

Apply six to twelve months ahead for September entry, especially for Year 7 and the sixth form or IB years. Mid-year places do come up because of diplomatic rotations, so it is worth joining waiting lists even if a school says it is full.