20 Best-Performing Primary Schools in Nairobi County:
Nairobi County is home to over 225 primary schools, with a significant number of them being private institutions. It is essential for parents to choose the best-performing primary schools in the region for their children’s academic success. Whether private or public, these schools consistently produce impressive results in national examinations like the KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education). Below, we explore the top 20 primary schools in Nairobi County based on their performance and academic excellence.
Introduction: The Importance of Academic Excellence in Nairobi’s Primary Schools
Nairobi, being the capital city of Kenya, offers a wide range of primary schools, both private and public. Many of these institutions have built a strong reputation for academic excellence, especially in the KCPE exams, which is the final national exam for students completing their primary education. The best-performing primary schools are known for their modern facilities, highly trained staff, and their focus on nurturing students in all aspects of education.
While private schools are often considered to provide a higher standard of education due to smaller class sizes and better resources, some public schools also excel academically. The following list provides an overview of the top primary schools in Nairobi County that have consistently performed well in KCPE results.
1. Happyland Preparatory School
- Year Founded: 1993
- Location: Buruburu, Nairobi
- Website: happylandschools.com
Happyland Preparatory School is a highly regarded private institution that offers a holistic approach to education. The school places equal emphasis on academics, sports, music, drama, and the arts. Over the years, Happyland has maintained an impressive KCPE mean score above 374.27. In 2022, 163 students scored between 350-399 marks, while 29 students earned over 400 marks.
2. KBA School
- Year Founded: 1991
- Location: Kahawa West and Maziwa (Githurai), Nairobi
- Website: kbaschool.co.ke
KBA School, originally started by the Kahawa West Baptist Church, has grown into one of Nairobi’s top-performing private schools. Known for its academic rigor, KBA boasts consistently high KCPE results, with the 2021/2022 top candidate scoring 422 marks. The school focuses on providing a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic and personal growth.
3. Kianda School
- Year Founded: 1977
- Location: Westlands, Nairobi
- Website: kiandaschool.ac.ke
Kianda School, an all-girls Catholic institution, is a long-standing academic powerhouse in Nairobi. With a focus on empowering girls through education, Kianda maintains excellent KCPE results. The 2022 class averaged 377.42 marks, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and character development.
4. Lakewood School
- Location: Komarocks, Utawala, Kitengela, and Kamakis, Nairobi
- Website: lakewoodschools.ac.ke
Lakewood School, a mixed-day private school, prides itself on offering top-tier educational facilities and a conducive learning environment. The 2023 KCPE exams saw three of its students among the top 100 performers nationally. This achievement highlights the school’s commitment to producing academically excellent students.
5. Makini School
- Year Founded: 1978
- Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Website: makinischool.ac.ke
Makini School has established itself as one of the leading private schools in Nairobi. With campuses in both Nairobi and Kisumu, the school offers both the international Cambridge curriculum and the Kenyan CBC curriculum. The school’s students consistently perform well, with 30 candidates scoring over 400 marks in the 2021 KCPE exams.
6. Moi Educational Centre
- Location: Nairobi West, Nairobi
- Website: moieducentre.ac.ke
Known for its inclusive curriculum, Moi Educational Centre regularly ranks among the best in the country. In 2023, the school’s top student scored 424 marks. The school offers a diverse education, preparing students for both academic and personal success.
7. MGA Schools (Mwiki Goodhope Academy)
- Location: Mwiki, Kasarani, Kamulu, and Membley, Nairobi
- Website: mgaschools.com
MGA Schools is a well-known institution in Nairobi, with several campuses across the region. The school’s consistent high performance in national exams is a testament to its excellent teaching standards. Over the years, MGA has posted impressive mean scores, with top students frequently ranked among the best performers.
8. Nairobi Primary School
- Year Founded: 1902
- Location: Westlands, Kilimani Zone, Nairobi
- Website: nairobiprimary.sc.ke
One of the oldest and most prestigious public schools in Nairobi, Nairobi Primary School has maintained a strong academic record. The school is known for its excellent infrastructure and a history of producing top-performing KCPE candidates.
9. Riara Primary School
- Year Founded: 1974
- Location: Nairobi
- Website: riaraschools.ac.ke
Riara Primary School is another private institution that consistently produces excellent results. With multiple campuses around Nairobi, it has gained a reputation for its well-rounded approach to education. In the 2019 KCPE exams, 76 of its candidates scored above 400 marks.
10. Rockfields Junior School
- Year Founded: 1987
- Location: Donholm, Nairobi
- Website: rockfields.ac.ke
Rockfields Junior School is widely regarded as one of the top private schools in Nairobi. The school’s average KCPE mean score has remained consistently high, with the 2022 cohort achieving a mean score of 382. The school offers a nurturing environment where students can excel academically.