If your child is starting or changing schools in January 2027, this is the right time to begin. Term 3 is busy, and national assessments begin on 26 October, followed by KCSE from 2 to 20 November. Schools get busy with exams and admissions officers get harder to reach, so parents who start early usually have more choice. People Daily
Here is a simple process to follow.
Step 1: Decide what matters most
Write down your top three priorities before you look at any school. Common ones are curriculum (CBC, British, American), location and commute, fees, boarding or day, and values. Having them written down stops a nice campus tour from steering you away from what you need.
Step 2: Set a realistic budget
Tuition is only part of the cost. Ask each school for a full fee structure covering:
- Admission and registration fees
- Tuition per term
- Transport, meals and uniform
- Activity, trip and exam fees
Step 3: Build a shortlist of 3–5 schools
Use a search tool with filters rather than scrolling social media. You can search verified schools with open places on EnrollQ, or browse by county, for example Nairobi or Kiambu. If you’re leaning toward the Kiambu side, our guide to the best private schools in Kiambu is a good starting point.
Step 4: Visit in person
Test the commute at real school-run time. Look at class sizes, toilets, playgrounds and how staff talk to children. Ask to meet the head teacher or an admissions officer, not only the person giving tours.
Step 5: Check that the school is legitimate
Confirm the school is registered through the Ministry of Education. Ask to see the registration certificate. Every school listed on EnrollQ is verified before it goes live.
Step 6: Apply early and keep records
Apply to two or three schools so you have a backup. Keep copies of every form, receipt and email, and note the deadlines.
Quick checklist
- Priorities and budget written down
- Shortlist of 3–5 schools
- Visits done
- Registration verified
- Applications submitted
Ready to start? See schools with open places now.