Top 10 affordable private schools in Nairobi

Finding quality private education in Nairobi for under KSh 200,000 annually is challenging but not impossible. Many families seek alternatives to public schools while keeping costs reasonable. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of affordable private schools in Nairobi separated by primary and secondary levels.

Affordable private schools in Nairobi (Primary Schools Under KSh 200,000)

Ultra-Budget Options (KSh 80,000 – 150,000)

1. Apostolic Carmel Primary School

Location: Buru Buru Phase V
Annual Fees: KSh 80,000 – 120,000
Type: Catholic mixed day school

This Catholic institution offers the most affordable primary education while maintaining quality standards. The school emphasizes Christian values alongside academic excellence and serves the Buru Buru community with dedication.

2. Fedha School (Primary)

Location: Embakasi Road
Annual Fees: KSh 90,000 – 140,000
Type: Private mixed day school

Located strategically along Embakasi Road, Fedha School provides accessible education for families in the Eastlands area. The school follows the CBC curriculum and maintains decent facilities for its fee range.

3. Good Shepherd Primary School

Location: Dandora Phase III
Annual Fees: KSh 90,000 – 150,000
Type: Catholic mixed day school

Serving the Dandora community, Good Shepherd combines affordable fees with Catholic education principles. The school focuses on moral development and community values.

4. SSD Primary School

Location: CBD – Ronald Ngala Street
Annual Fees: KSh 100,000 – 150,000
Type: Private mixed day school

Conveniently located in Nairobi’s Central Business District, SSD Primary offers easy access for families working in the city center.

5. Al Maktoum Foundation (Primary)

Location: Peponi Road, Mugoya South
Annual Fees: KSh 100,000 – 150,000
Type: Islamic mixed day school

This Islamic institution provides quality primary education while incorporating Islamic values and teachings into the curriculum.

Mid-Range Options (KSh 150,000 – 200,000)

6. Forest View Academy (Primary)

Location: Dagoretti Road
Annual Fees: KSh 110,000 – 160,000
Type: Private mixed day school

Forest View Academy offers quality education along Dagoretti Road, serving families in the Dagoretti area with modern teaching methods.

7. Riverside Academy (Primary)

Location: Kariobangi North
Annual Fees: KSh 110,000 – 170,000
Type: Private mixed day school

Located in Kariobangi North, Riverside Academy has built a reputation as a community-focused school with decent academic standards.

8. Consolata School (Primary)

Location: Westlands – Chiromo Road
Annual Fees: KSh 145,000 – 186,000
Type: Catholic mixed day school

One of the most established affordable schools in Nairobi, Consolata School has a long history of providing quality Catholic education. The fees include lunch, making it excellent value for money.

9. Woodcreek School (Primary)

Location: Muthaiga North
Annual Fees: KSh 160,000 – 200,000
Type: Private mixed day school

Located in the upscale Muthaiga area, Woodcreek offers quality primary education with modern facilities. The school provides sibling discounts and inclusive fees covering lunch.

Affordable Secondary Schools (Under KSh 250,000)

Ultra-Budget Options (KSh 80,000 – 150,000)

1. Apostolic Carmel Secondary School

Location: Buru Buru Phase V
Annual Fees: KSh 80,000 – 120,000
Type: Catholic girls’ day school
Performance: Good – Consistent results

This girls’ secondary school maintains the lowest fees while providing quality Catholic education. The school has a strong focus on character development and academic achievement.

2. Fedha School (Secondary)

Location: Embakasi Road
Annual Fees: KSh 90,000 – 140,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Performance: Average – Local reputation

Continuing from primary to secondary level, Fedha School offers affordable education for families in the Eastlands area.

3. Good Shepherd High School

Location: Dandora Phase III
Annual Fees: KSh 90,000 – 150,000
Type: Catholic mixed day school
Performance: Good – Community focused

Good Shepherd High School serves the Dandora community with affordable Catholic education, emphasizing moral values alongside academic achievement.

Mid-Range Options (KSh 150,000 – 220,000)

4. Don Bosco Secondary School

Location: Juja Road – Mgweni Road
Annual Fees: KSh 120,000 – 180,000
Type: Catholic boys’ day school
Performance: Good – Values-based education

Part of the global Don Bosco network, this school focuses on technical education and character formation for young men, combining academic learning with practical skills training.

5. Nairobi Muslim Academy

Location: Eastlands – Various locations
Annual Fees: KSh 150,000 – 200,000
Type: Islamic mixed day school
Performance: Good – Islamic education

With multiple locations, Nairobi Muslim Academy serves the Muslim community while welcoming students from all backgrounds, combining Islamic education with the national curriculum.

6. Wamy High School

Location: Viwandani, South B
Annual Fees: KSh 150,000 – 200,000
Type: Islamic boys’ day school
Performance: Excellent – Top Muslim school

Wamy High is among the best-performing Muslim boys’ schools in Nairobi, renowned for its excellent KCSE results and outstanding academic facilities.

7. Consolata School (Secondary)

Location: Westlands – Chiromo Road
Annual Fees: KSh 197,000 – 208,000
Type: Catholic mixed day school
Performance: Good – Consistent performer

The secondary section of Consolata School maintains the same high standards as the primary section, with consistent performance in national examinations.

8. Maarif Schools

Location: Pangani Shopping Centre
Annual Fees: KSh 180,000 – 220,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Performance: Good – Affordable option

Maarif Schools is recognized as one of the affordable private secondary schools in Nairobi, offering quality education with experienced faculty members.

Maximum Annual Fees for Affordable Primary and Secondary Schools in Nairobi (Under KSh 200,000-250,000)

Key Differences Between Primary and Secondary Schools

Fee Structure: Secondary schools generally charge 20-40% more than primary schools due to additional facilities like laboratories, libraries, and specialized teachers.

Facilities: Secondary schools require more sophisticated infrastructure including science laboratories, computer labs, and sports facilities.

Performance Tracking: Secondary schools are more closely monitored through KCSE results, making their performance records more transparent.

Specialization: Secondary schools offer subject specialization and career guidance, requiring more qualified and specialized teaching staff.

What These Fees Typically Include

Primary Schools:

• Basic tuition and CBC curriculum
• Lunch (in most cases)
• Basic sports and co-curricular activities
• Learning materials for lower classes

Secondary Schools:

• Tuition for KCSE curriculum
• Laboratory fees
• Sports and co-curricular activities
• Some include lunch and transport

Additional Costs to Consider

Uniform Costs: KSh 5,000-8,000 for primary, KSh 8,000-12,000 for secondary
Books and Materials: KSh 8,000-15,000 annually
Transport: KSh 30,000-60,000 annually (if not provided)
Extracurricular Activities: KSh 5,000-15,000 per year

Tips for Choosing Budget Schools

Visit the School: Assess facilities, teaching quality, and general environment
Check Performance Records: Review KCPE/KCSE results for the past 3-5 years
Understand Fee Structure: Ensure all costs are transparent with no hidden charges
Location Convenience: Consider transport costs and safety of the route
Community Reputation: Ask other parents about their experiences

These affordable options demonstrate that quality private education in Nairobi doesn’t always require premium fees. With careful selection, families can find schools that provide good education, moral foundation, and academic preparation within modest budgets, whether for primary or secondary levels.

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