How many nurseries operate in Nairobi
Nairobi has roughly 110 nurseries and preschools that market themselves as international, meaning English instruction, an international family base, and an established feeder relationship into one of the major curriculum streams. The Ministry of Education registers a much larger universe of neighbourhood nurseries, but the international cluster sits inside the 110 number.
Around 60 percent of international nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework from England, simply because so many downstream primary schools are British curriculum. Roughly 15 percent run a Montessori programme, with the rest split between IB Primary Years approaches, Reggio Emilia influenced houses, and the small French and German bilingual rooms attached to Lycee Denis Diderot and DSN Nairobi.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development inspects nurseries against an Early Childhood Development framework, but enforcement is light. Parent due diligence still matters more than the licence on the wall. Ask to see staff credentials, child to adult ratios, and the daily plan before committing.
Fees and the half day question
Fees are driven mostly by hours and meals, less by curriculum brand. Half day programmes at neighbourhood Karen and Lavington nurseries start at about KES 220,000 a year. The median half day fee for a 3 year old in a mid tier setting in 2026 is roughly KES 520,000. Premium full day care at the largest Karen, Runda and Gigiri campuses reaches KES 1.4m a year. For the full cost picture see our Nairobi fees guide.
Two traps catch newcomers. Registration and assessment fees of KES 15,000 to 35,000 are non refundable, so applying to several settings at once is expensive. Term fees in Nairobi are usually charged across three terms with a fourth holiday programme charged separately, even though many international families need cover during the December and August breaks.
Not sure which nursery is the right fit?
Our 5 minute school finder quiz shortlists three settings based on your child's age, your home area, your budget and your preferred curriculum framework.
Illustrative example nurseries
The settings below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has been operating in Nairobi for at least seven years and serves a meaningful international family base.
Banda School Pre Prep in Karen serves children from 2 to 6, feeding directly into Banda's British preparatory school. Outdoor learning is the strongest part of the programme.
Hillcrest Early Years in Karen runs EYFS for children 2 to 5 with continuity into Hillcrest's IGCSE and A Level secondary.
Peponi House Pre Prep in Spring Valley runs a traditional British prep school early years, popular with families targeting Peponi School or UK boarding from Year 7.
Crawford International Early Years in Tatu City offers a Cambridge primary feeder programme in a newer, master planned community north of the city.
Where young families live
Young families cluster around four zones in Nairobi, each shaped by nursery supply and traffic. Karen for villa living and the Banda, Hillcrest and Brookhouse early years cluster. Gigiri, Runda and Muthaiga for UN, embassy and NGO families, with ISK Junior School and Rosslyn Academy nearby. Lavington and Kileleshwa for apartment dwelling executives near Strathmore, Greensteds and the mid tier preschools.
Westlands and Kilimani host more Indian curriculum and budget preschools, with the trade off of higher commute time to the international primary feeders. Use the cost calculator to compare total relocation cost across neighbourhoods.
Admissions and waiting lists
Nairobi's nursery cycle is rolling. Most international settings accept applications year round and place children at the start of any term. Premium Karen and Runda settings operate waiting lists 4 to 8 months long for the most popular age groups, particularly the 3 year old room.
If a Nairobi move is on the cards, register before you arrive. Settings hold deposits refundable against the first term and rank by registration date. Documentation requirements are lighter than in the Gulf, but the school will still ask for a passport copy, vaccination record and a dependent pass application reference before issuing a place. To shortlist settings near your future home, try our school finder quiz.
Frequently asked questions
How many international nurseries are there in Nairobi?
Nairobi has roughly 110 nurseries and preschools that market themselves as international. The Ministry of Education registers a much larger universe of neighbourhood nurseries, but the international cluster sits inside the 110 number.
What age do Nairobi international nurseries start from?
Most settings accept children from 18 months, with a handful taking infants from 6 months. Rooms split into toddler 18 months to 3 years, nursery 3 to 4, and reception or FS2 for 4 to 5 year olds.
How much do international nurseries in Nairobi cost?
Half day programmes start at about KES 220,000 a year at neighbourhood settings. The median half day fee for a 3 year old in 2026 is roughly KES 520,000, with premium full day care reaching KES 1.4m a year.
Do Nairobi nurseries follow EYFS?
About 60 percent follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework from England, with Montessori, IB PYP and Reggio Emilia approaches making up the rest. Confirm framework and staff training directly with each setting.
When should I apply for a Nairobi nursery?
Premium Karen, Runda and Gigiri settings operate waiting lists 4 to 8 months long. Register as soon as you confirm a Nairobi move. Neighbourhood nurseries can usually place within a month.
