Kianda School, a prestigious all-girls day school in Nairobi’s Westlands area, is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to empowering young women through a holistic, values-based education. Established in 1977 by the Kianda Foundation, the school has consistently ranked among Kenya’s top institutions, fostering intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth in its students. For parents seeking admission for their daughters into Grade 1 or Grade 10 for the 2026 academic year, understanding the application process and deadlines is crucial. This comprehensive guide details the Kianda School application deadlines, procedures, fees, and transport charges for 2025-2026, alongside insights into the school’s curriculum, facilities, and unique offerings.
Overview of Kianda School
Founded in 1977 with just 40 students, Kianda School has grown into a leading institution with approximately 900 students across its Primary and Secondary sections. Located along Waiyaki Way in Westlands, Nairobi, the school operates as a day school for girls, emphasizing Christian values and the motto In Opere et Veritate (In Deed and in Truth). Inspired by the teachings of Opus Dei, Kianda School aims to produce hardworking, responsible women who excel academically and contribute positively to society.
The school’s holistic approach integrates intellectual, spiritual, and human development, supported by a close partnership between parents, teachers, and students. Kianda School follows the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for its Primary section and the 8-4-4 system for its Secondary section, with a strong track record in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). In 2018, the school achieved a mean score of 9.22 (B+), ranking 12th nationally and 4th in Nairobi County, with 97.3% of students qualifying for university admission.
Application Deadlines for 2026 Admissions
Kianda School is accepting applications for Grade 1 and Grade 10 for the 2026 academic year, with specific deadlines for each:
- Grade 1 Application Deadline: Monday, 30th June 2025
- Grade 10 Application Deadline: Friday, 29th August 2025
These deadlines are critical, as late submissions may not be considered. Parents are encouraged to submit applications well in advance to allow time for processing and entry assessments.
Application Procedure for Grade 1 and Grade 10
The application process for Kianda School is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Below is the step-by-step procedure for applying to Grade 1 and Grade 10:
- Write an Application Letter: Parents must submit a formal letter requesting admission for their daughter, addressed to the Admissions Secretary.
- Submit Required Documents:
- A copy of the daughter’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the 1st Term report (for Grade 1, a kindergarten recommendation letter from the Head Teacher is required; for Grade 10, the report should reflect recent academic performance).
- One recent passport photograph (for Grade 1 applicants).
- Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out the official application form available on the school’s website (www.kiandaschool.ac.ke).
- Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of KSh 2,000 is required, payable via M-Pesa (PayBill: 34104, Account: Daughter’s Name). Transaction details must be indicated on the Google form.
- Submit the Application: Send all documents and the completed form to the Admissions Secretary at:
- Address: P.O. Box 48328 – 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Email: info@kiandaschool.ac.ke
- Receive Confirmation: Upon submission, parents will receive a confirmation email with a reference number for their daughter.
- Entry Assessment: Details about the mandatory entry exam (covering Math, English, and Composition) and oral interview will be sent via email. For Grade 10 applicants, results from mock KCPE exams or equivalent may be required.
Once a place is offered, parents must pay Term 1 fees to secure admission. The interview process also helps parents understand Kianda’s expectations and the school’s collaborative approach.
Fees Structure for 2025-2026
Kianda School’s fees are structured to reflect its high-quality education and facilities. While specific fees for 2026 are not fully detailed, the 2019 fee structure provides a reference, with updates available from the school’s accounts office. Below is an indicative breakdown based on available data:
- Primary Section (per term, approximate):
- Std. 2–4: KSh 68,000–77,800
- Std. 5: KSh 69,500–79,300
- Std. 6: KSh 71,000–80,800
- Std. 7–8: KSh 72,000–81,800
- Secondary Section (Form 1, approximate): Includes a non-refundable acceptance fee of KSh 25,000.
- Additional Charges: Student insurance, parent activities, and uniform fees (for Grade 1, Std. 5, Form 1, and Form 3).
- Sibling Discounts: Available for families with multiple students enrolled.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: Partial scholarships are offered for academically outstanding students facing financial constraints.
Payment Methods
Fees must be paid in full before the start of each term. Acceptable payment methods include:
- Cash: Payable at NCBA Westlands Branch, with a slip presented to the accounts office two weeks before school opens.
- Bank Transfer: Transacted by the parent’s bank manager to the school’s account, with a debit slip submitted two weeks prior.
- Banker’s or Company Cheque: Received at the accounts office at least two weeks before term starts.
- M-Pesa: PayBill 34104, Account: Kianda Foundation Trust (A/C No: 643 435 0018, NCBA Westlands Branch).
No personal cheques or cash are accepted at the school office. Parents should contact the accounts office for the latest fee structure and payment details.
Transport Fees for 2025
Kianda School offers a comprehensive transport service covering various Nairobi routes. The transport fees for 2025 (Terms 1, 2, and 3) are as follows:
- Route 1A (Kangemi, Mt. View, Loresho):
- One Way: KSh 25,034 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 17,881 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 34,484 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 24,631 (Term 3)
- Route 1B (Uthiru, 87):
- One Way: KSh 28,515 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 20,368 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 41,533 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 29,666 (Term 3)
- Route 2A (Lavington, Elmolo, Jaffrey Club):
- One Way: KSh 30,836 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 22,026 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 47,415 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 33,868 (Term 3)
- Route 2B (Kileleshwa, Dennis Pritt, Statehouse Road):
- Two Way: KSh 53,384 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 38,131 (Term 3)
- Route 3A (Kilimani, Woodland Drive, Jabavu Road):
- Two Way: KSh 58,192 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 41,565 (Term 3)
- Route 3B (Lavington, Amboseli Rd, Valley Arcade):
- One Way: KSh 33,157 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 23,210 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 48,742 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 34,815 (Term 3)
- Route 4A (Kikuyu Bypass):
- One Way: KSh 28,515 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 20,368 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
- Route 4B (Karen Rd, Marula Lane, Langata Rd):
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
- Route 4C (Langata Rd, Dam Estate, Otiende):
- One Way: KSh 31,381 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 24,631 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 34,484 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 24,631 (Term 3)
- Route 5A (Westlands, Waiyaki Way, Ngara):
- One Way: KSh 43,934 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 31,381 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
- Route 5B (Eastlands, Thika Rd, Buruburu):
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
- Route 5C (Fedha Estate, Nyayo Estate, Tassia):
- One Way: KSh 39,292 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 28,065 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
- Route 6A (South C, Akila, Madaraka Estate):
- One Way: KSh 32,494 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 25,034 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 58,192 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 41,565 (Term 3)
- Route 6B (South B, Bellevue, Golden Gate):
- One Way: KSh 46,421 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 33,157 (Term 3)
- Two Way: KSh 63,000 (Terms 1 & 2), KSh 45,000 (Term 3)
Parents should contact the transport coordinator for specific route details and driver contacts (e.g., John at 0715 869 227 for Route 1A).
Curriculum and Academic Excellence
Kianda School’s Primary section follows the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and holistic development. Key features include:
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrates subjects like Mathematics, English, and Sciences with real-world applications.
- Continuous Assessment Tests (C.A.T.s): Three quizzes per term and an end-term exam ensure steady academic progress.
- Extracurricular Activities: Compulsory games (Monday–Thursday, 3:15–4:00 p.m.) and clubs (Fridays) include swimming, music, and debating.
The Secondary section operates under the 8-4-4 system, preparing students for KCSE examinations. The school’s 2018 KCSE performance (mean score 9.22, 97.3% university transition rate) underscores its academic rigor. Subjects like English (11.09, A-), Mathematics (10.49, B+), Biology (10.43, B+), and Physics (10.48, B+) ranked among the top nationally in 2010.
Facilities and Student Life
Kianda School’s Westlands campus offers modern facilities, including science laboratories, a library, and sports fields. The school fosters a vibrant student life through:
- Annual Events: Family Sports Day, Creative Arts Variety Show, Kianda Awards Days, and Christmas Concert.
- Tutorial System: Each student is assigned a mentor for personalized guidance, with close parental involvement.
- Spiritual Formation: Optional daily Mass, weekly meditations, and annual retreats, guided by Opus Dei principles.
- Discipline: A merit-demerit system rewards good behavior and addresses infractions, with detentions for accumulated demerits.
The school operates from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with classes from 7:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., followed by compulsory extracurricular activities.
Why Choose Kianda School?
Kianda School stands out as a top choice for parents seeking a transformative education for their daughters. Key reasons include:
- Academic Excellence: Consistently ranks among Kenya’s top schools in KCSE performance.
- Holistic Development: Balances intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
- Inclusive Financial Support: Offers scholarships and bursaries to ensure accessibility.
- Strong Community: Fosters collaboration between parents, teachers, and students.
- Christian Values: Instills integrity and responsibility through its Catholic ethos.
Notable alumni, including Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, First Lady of Kenya, highlight the school’s impact.
Challenges and Opportunities
Private schools like Kianda face challenges such as rising operational costs and the need for continuous teacher training to align with CBC and 8-4-4 requirements. However, Kianda addresses these through strategic investments and partnerships with parents. Opportunities include expanding its scholarship program and enhancing STEM facilities to align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.
The 2025 academic calendar, with Term 1 (6th January–4th April), Term 2 (28th April–1st August), and Term 3 (25th August–24th October), provides a structured timeline for admissions and assessments. National exams like KPSEA and KCSE (October–November 2025) align with Kianda’s academic rigor, ensuring students are well-prepared.
Admission Process Timeline
To assist parents, here is a suggested timeline for the 2026 admissions process:
- By June 2025 (Grade 1): Submit application letter, documents, and fee by 30th June.
- By August 2025 (Grade 10): Submit application by 29th August.
- July–September 2025: Complete entry assessments and interviews.
- October–December 2025: Receive admission decisions and pay Term 1 fees.
- January 2026: School opens for the new academic year.
Parents should monitor emails for assessment details and ensure timely submission to avoid delays.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to submit applications, contact:
- Admissions Secretary: P.O. Box 48328 – 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: 0716 875838, 0721 547572, 0733 846959
- Email: info@kiandaschool.ac.ke
- Website: www.kiandaschool.ac.ke
The accounts office can provide updated fee structures and payment details.
Kianda School’s application deadlines for Grade 1 (30th June 2025) and Grade 10 (29th August 2025) offer parents a clear window to secure admission for their daughters in 2026. With its rigorous academic programs, holistic approach, and commitment to Christian values, Kianda School prepares young women to excel in a dynamic world. The streamlined application process, supported by a transparent fee structure and comprehensive transport services, makes Kianda accessible to families across Nairobi. By choosing Kianda, parents invest in a transformative education that fosters academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship.
For more information or to begin the application process, contact Kianda School today and take the first step toward empowering your daughter’s future.
