Childcare, family, and education in Kenya
Kenya provides a public school system, as well as both private and international schools. Although education is highly regarded in Kenya, the public school system struggles with funding, therefore most expats send their children to private schools. Childcare facilities are also available, with many expats prefering to use a private nanny or the daycare services through one of the international or private schools. As always, safety is a major consideration in Kenya, so always perform background checks and follow up with referrals on all staff or daycare companies.
Public school
Expat students are eligible to attend public schools in Kenya, however, the public system tends to suffer from under-funding and crowding. However, some public schools are ranked highly and have a competitive entry, and Kenyan families put a high priority on education for their children. The Kenyan school system operates in a similar fashion to many other countries, with children moving through kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, and they may then go on to university. If a student graduates from secondary school, they receive the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
However, most expats tend to send their children to private, or international, schools in the country.
Private and international schools
Private and international schools are popular options with expat parents, as children receive a similar curriculum as they would in their home country. The majority of international and private schools can be found in Nairobi, followed by Mombasa. In addition to expats, wealthy Kenyan families often send their children to private schools, as education is of a higher quality than within public schools.
Many countries offer international schools in the country. Some of these include the Hillcrest International School, St Andrew's, Banda School, International School of Kenya, and the French School of Nairobi. Children will receive education from international teachers, and most schools keep to the same schedule as their home country. Children are also able to play sports and join extracurricular activities.
Private and international schools can be very competitive, and can also have high tuition and school fees, so parents should start researching options well in advance.
Childcare
If you are moving to Kenya with a young family, child care services will be an important consideration. As household staff can be found at reasonable rates, many expats prefer to hire a nanny to assist with childcare within the home. Asking other expats for recommendations is a great starting point to find staff, or consider hiring staff through a reputable agency.
Daycare services can also be found in major cities, and in expat neighbourhoods in Nairobi. Many international and private schools also offer daycare services for younger children, which is especially useful if you would like your children to go on to attend that particular school.
Student visas
If you are moving to Kenya for the purposes of study, a student visa will be required. This is known as a Pupils Pass and must be obtained from the Department of Immigration before you can begin your studies.
All non-Kenyan students, from preschool through university, are required to have this pass, which needs to be renewed annually, and there is a fee attached. This can be applied for online via the Department of Immigration Services website and will require proof of school enrolment, and a cover letter explaining the course or study programme your child is undertaking.
