Choosing an international school in Nairobi means navigating East Africa's most established expat education hub. The city has served diplomatic, NGO and corporate families for decades, and its best schools combine British academic traditions with an outdoor, community-centred Kenyan childhood that alumni remember for life. This 2026 guide compares curricula, top schools, realistic fees and the practical factors that should drive your shortlist.
Curricula Available in Nairobi
The British curriculum dominates, running from EYFS through IGCSE to A Levels, and several schools are members of the respected regional associations that moderate standards across East Africa. You will also find the IB Diploma at select schools, American-style programmes, and the Kenyan 8-4-4/CBC system in bilingual settings. For internationally mobile families, British and IB pathways transfer most cleanly to other postings; both are widely available in Nairobi at fees well below Asian or European equivalents.
Leading International Schools in Nairobi
These schools hold verified profiles on International School Advisor.
Hillcrest International Schools
A complete British-curriculum campus in Karen, from early years to A Levels, with strong sport, extensive grounds and a long track record with expat and Kenyan professional families. See Hillcrest International Schools' profile.
Braeburn School
The flagship of the Braeburn group in Lavington teaches the British curriculum with a warmly inclusive intake and consistent academic results, plus wide co-curricular choice across music, drama and sport. Explore Braeburn School on ISA.
Braeburn Garden Estate School
On the Thika Road side of the city, this Braeburn campus offers the British pathway to A Level alongside the IB Diploma, convenient for families living in Runda, Gigiri and the UN corridor. View Braeburn Garden Estate's profile.
Braeside School
A sister school in Lavington with a reputation for approachable admissions, solid academics and slightly gentler fees, making it a smart first port of call for newly arrived families. Read about Braeside School on ISA.
What Do Nairobi International Schools Cost?
Nairobi offers real value by global standards. For 2026-27, expect annual tuition of roughly KES 1.2-2.4 million (US$9,000-18,500) in primary and KES 1.8-3.6 million (US$14,000-28,000) in secondary at the mainstream British-curriculum schools. Premium and IB options can exceed this. Add one-time joining fees (KES 150,000-400,000), refundable deposits, transport (KES 150,000-300,000 per year) and trips. Fees are typically payable per term, which eases cash flow versus annual billing.
Location, Security and Admissions Tips
Nairobi traffic is the great shortlist filter: a school near your home and workplace beats a marginally shinier campus across town. Karen, Lavington, Gigiri and the Thika Road corridor each have strong options, so choose your neighbourhood and school together. Ask schools about transport routes, security protocols and after-school supervision, which are well developed at the established names. Admissions are rolling with assessments in English and maths; popular year groups fill before the August intake, so apply a term or two ahead where possible.
Compare all verified Nairobi school profiles, reviews and fees on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do international schools in Nairobi cost?
Mainstream British-curriculum schools charge roughly US$9,000-18,500 per year in primary and US$14,000-28,000 in secondary, plus joining fees, transport and trips. Premium options cost more.
Which curriculum should expat families choose in Nairobi?
British and IB pathways transfer most easily to future postings. The British curriculum has the widest choice in Nairobi, with the IB Diploma available at selected campuses.
When should I apply to Nairobi international schools?
Admissions are rolling, but apply one to two terms before your target start date. August intake and key entry years fill first at the best-known schools.