How many international primary schools in Nairobi
Nairobi has roughly 38 international primary schools or primary sections taking pupils through to the end of Year 6 or Grade 5. About 25 of those follow a British Cambridge primary route into IGCSE secondary, 8 run an IB Primary Years Programme approach, and the remainder serve American, Indian and German curricula at primary.
The British dominance reflects Kenya's colonial education history and the volume of internationally mobile families heading next to UK boarding or to Cape Town, Singapore and Dubai for the secondary years. The IB PYP cluster is smaller but growing, with new authorisations coming through at Crawford International and Braeburn over the past five years.
Class sizes at primary are typically 22 to 26 pupils with a class teacher, a teaching assistant in early primary, and specialist staff for music, PE, Swahili and French. Outdoor space is generous compared with most international cities, particularly across the Karen and Runda campuses.
Fees and the tier map
Primary fees in Nairobi range from about KES 600,000 a year at value tier settings in Lavington and Westlands to KES 2.4m at the largest Karen and Runda campuses. The median Year 4 fee in 2026 sits at roughly KES 1.35m before transport and extras. Capital levies of KES 80,000 to KES 250,000 apply on entry. For the full fee picture see our Nairobi fees guide.
Tier 1 is Banda School, Brookhouse Karen, Hillcrest, ISK and Peponi House. Tier 2 includes Braeburn Garden Estate, Crawford International, Rosslyn Academy and Greensteds in Nakuru for boarding families. Tier 3 covers the more affordable Lavington and Westlands primary streams with smaller campuses and tighter outdoor space.
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Illustrative example schools
The schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has been operating in Nairobi for at least ten years and serves a meaningful international family base.
Banda School in Karen is the longest established British preparatory school in Kenya, founded 1967. Pupils sit Common Entrance and most progress to Peponi School, Hillcrest or UK boarding.
Brookhouse School Karen runs Cambridge primary through to Year 6 with a dedicated junior school campus. Strong feeder reputation into Brookhouse's senior IGCSE and A Level cohort.
International School of Kenya in Karura runs the IB Primary Years Programme alongside an American curriculum. Roughly 65 nationalities and a long history of serving the UN and embassy community in Gigiri.
Crawford International School Tatu City is a newer Cambridge primary campus in the master planned Tatu development north of the city, taking the pressure off the older Karen and Lavington clusters.
Where primary families live
Primary families cluster around five zones. Karen for the Banda, Brookhouse and Hillcrest cluster on the south side of the city. Gigiri, Runda and Muthaiga for ISK and Rosslyn Academy, with the UN compound on the doorstep. Lavington and Kileleshwa for Braeburn Garden Estate and the more affordable primary streams. Tatu City on the Thika Road for families opting into Crawford or Nova Pioneer. Spring Valley for Peponi House feeder traffic.
Choosing the neighbourhood usually means choosing the school. The Karen to Gigiri commute is unforgiving at 7.30am, and most families pick a school within 25 minutes of home.
Admissions calendar
Most Nairobi international primary schools run the September to June calendar, with a smaller cluster on the January to November Kenyan calendar. Applications for September 2026 opened in October 2025, with assessment days in November and offers by January. Late applications continue on a rolling basis.
Year 3 and Year 6 are the tightest entry points because feeder pipelines start to crystallise. Year 1 and Year 4 are more flexible. If you are committing to a Tier 1 school, apply 9 to 12 months ahead. Use the compare tool or school finder quiz to shortlist by curriculum and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How many international primary schools are there in Nairobi?
Nairobi has roughly 38 international primary schools or primary sections taking pupils through to the end of Year 6 or Grade 5. About 25 follow a British route, 8 run IB PYP, and the rest serve American, Indian and German curricula.
What ages do Nairobi primary schools cover?
Most international primary stages run from age 5 to age 11, covering Year 1 to Year 6 on the British system or Kindergarten to Grade 5 on the American system. Pre primary FS1 and FS2 sit either side of this range.
How much do Nairobi primary schools cost?
Primary fees range from about KES 600,000 a year at value tier schools to KES 2.4m at the largest Karen and Runda campuses. The median Year 4 fee in 2026 is roughly KES 1.35m before transport and extras.
Is the Kenyan academic year different from the UK?
Most international schools follow September to June, mirroring UK and US calendars. A smaller group runs January to November on the Kenyan calendar. Confirm the calendar before locking a relocation timeline.
When should I apply to a Nairobi primary school?
Apply 9 to 12 months ahead for Tier 1 schools in Karen and Gigiri. Year 3 and Year 6 are the tightest entry points. Most schools issue offers by January for September entry.
