Nairobi School remains one of Kenya’s most respected national boys’ boarding secondary schools. As a national institution, it falls under the oversight of the Ministry of Education, which issues annual guidelines for school fees, boarding costs, and cost-sharing between the government and parents.
Because Nairobi School is classified among national boarding schools in Nairobi, parents should begin budgeting based on the standard MoE fees structure, while also preparing for additional costs that come with boarding life, uniforms, activities, supplies, and personal items.
The Official Baseline Fee for 2025 — What the Ministry Requires
According to the 2025 fee guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education for Category A boarding schools (which includes national schools in major towns such as Nairobi), the breakdown of fees per student is as follows:
| Vote Head / Cost Centre | Government Subsidy (capitation) | Parent Contribution | Combined Total per Student per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching, learning materials & exams | KSh 4,144 | 0 | 4,144 |
| Boarding equipment & stores | 0 | 30,385 | 30,385 |
| Maintenance & improvement | 5,000 | 2,000 | 7,000 |
| Other vote heads (transport/travel, administration, utilities/personnel) | 9,400 | 20,371 | 29,771 |
| Activity fees | 1,500 | 798 | 2,298 |
| Medical & insurance | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| SMASSE (science-subject support levy) | 200 | 0 | 200 |
| Total (per boarding student, per year) | 22,244 | 53,554 | 75,798 |
In other words, for a boarding student at Nairobi School in 2025, the minimum official annual fee under the MoE cost-sharing framework is KSh 75,798. This figure covers tuition-related costs, boarding upkeep, basic maintenance, meals and lodging (through the boarding stores vote head), exam support, and other standard vote heads.
This baseline provides a starting point for budgeting — and helps ensure that education remains accessible under regulated public schooling.
Why the Real Cost Often Exceeds the Baseline — Additional Charges Parents Should Budget For
While the KSh 75,798 annual fee is the official baseline, families should expect to pay more when all aspects of boarding school life are considered. The additional charges and living expenses fall outside the standard MoE vote heads. Key categories that commonly affect total cost include:
Uniforms, Bedding and Boarding Kit
- New students joining a full-boarding boarding school typically require a complete set of uniforms (daily wear, sports kit, formal wear), shoes, socks, physical education gear.
- Boarding life usually demands bedding — mattress, sheets, blankets, pillows — and sometimes mosquito nets or bed-bug nets, plus toiletries and basic personal items.
- For a new entrant, these initial setup costs can be significant, especially if uniforms and boarding kits are procured through approved suppliers.
Books, Stationery, and Subject Materials
- Textbooks, exercise books, stationery and writing supplies are usually the responsibility of the parent.
- For students in science, technical subjects, or art-based courses, there may be lab fees, subject-specific material costs, and practical-work levies.
- Additional revision books, past papers, and supplies may also be required, particularly in senior forms preparing for national exams.
Exam Registration, Lab Fees, and Subject-Specific Levies
- Subject choices — especially science or technical subjects — may attract separate lab or practical fees beyond the core fee structure.
- For upper classes (e.g. Forms 3 or 4), registration charges for national exams, fee for practical work or projects, and other subject-specific expenses may apply.
Extra-Curricular Activities, Clubs, Sports, Trips
- Boarding schools like Nairobi School typically run clubs, sports (rugby, football, athletics, etc.), music and drama, debating, cadets, scouting, among others.
- Participation in tournaments, inter-school competitions, trips, club equipment, travel, and kit may involve extra charges beyond tuition and boarding.
- These are often optional — but for active students, they represent a real additional cost.
Transport (for holidays / breaks), Travel and Visiting Days
- If a boarding student travels home during school holidays or mid-term breaks (common for students coming from outside Nairobi), parents or guardians will need to budget for travel costs — bus, matatu, or other transport fares.
- Transport may also be necessary for reporting days at the start of term or when returning after breaks.
Personal Items, Pocket Money, and Incidental Expenses
- Boarding students often need pocket money for items like laundry, toiletries, snacks, extra clothing, repairs, social or personal items, and other incidental expenses over the course of a school term.
- Unexpected or emergency costs may arise — medical, equipment replacement, or personal needs — so a contingency buffer is advisable.
One-off or Periodic Levies, Deposits, Caution Money — As Applicable
- Some schools request refundable caution deposits (for dormitory property, books, or school assets), especially for boarding students.
- Occasionally, there might be school-driven infrastructure or development levies (building fund, maintenance projects), though these should be clearly communicated and agreed upon.
- Uniform replacement, extra boarding kit, or new fees for upgraded services may also occur mid-cycle depending on school policy.
Realistic Cost Scenarios for a Nairobi School Student
To help parents plan, here are three hypothetical cost scenarios in a given academic year, depending on choices a student or parent makes:
| Scenario | What’s Included | Approximate Annual Cost (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Base-level boarding (standard fee, minimal extras) | Ministry-approved baseline (tuition, meals, boarding upkeep, basic maintenance) | ~ 75,800 |
| Boarding + essentials | Baseline + uniforms & bedding kit + books & stationery + lab/subject fees + modest personal expenses | ~ 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Full boarding + active student life | Baseline + full kit/uniform + books + lab fees + extra-curricular activities + travel during breaks + pocket money + contingency for extras | ~ 120,000 – 150,000 (or more, depending on choices) |
These estimates are indicative — actual amounts will vary depending on how many extras a student uses (subjects, clubs, personal habits), where supplies are purchased, and how often the student travels home.
How to Pay — Official Payment Channels
To ensure transparency and avoid fraud, Nairobi School (like other national schools) uses official banking or mobile money channels for fees payments. Parents should:
The school fees be paid by Bankers cheque or paid to Nairobi School Fees COLLECTION A/C
01129084055400 Co-op Bank Westlands Branch.
MPESA: Paybill-400222 A/C:914#Admno/Class
Present the cheque/ Pay in Slip and obtain the receipt for all the payments.
- Pay into the school’s dedicated bank account for fees collection.
- Use the correct bank branch and account number as provided by the school finance office.
- If using M-Pesa or other mobile money options, use the official school Paybill number and include the student’s admission number or class as required.
- Retain the payment confirmation (bank slip or M-Pesa message) and present it to the school to obtain an official receipt.
- Avoid paying into third-party or unverified accounts — only use the channels published formally by the school.
Using only the official channels protects against misallocation of funds, fraudulent requests, or loss of payment records.
Contacting Nairobi School — Official Communication Details
For accurate information on fees, admissions, payments, or bursary support, these are the verified contact points parents should use:
- Official school telephone numbers — especially the designated finance/bursar office. (0741 946 507 || 0794 026 211)
- Official school email for inquiries. ( email:info@nairobischool.ac.ke
- Visiting the school administration office in person (if feasible), especially when requesting detailed, itemised fee schedules or making payments.
- Avoid relying on social media, unofficial agents, or word-of-mouth for payment details or admission guarantees — always verify with the school directly.
Using official contact points ensures that you get accurate, updated information and helps safeguard your child’s admission and schooling.
What Makes Nairobi School a Valuable Choice — Strengths and Considerations
Strengths
- As a national boarding school with MoE-regulated fees, Nairobi School offers a structured, disciplined, and academically rigorous environment with a degree of affordability relative to many private alternatives.
- The boarding setup — with meals, accommodation, and supervision — provides convenience for families living outside Nairobi or those preferring a residential model for secondary schooling.
- With proper budgeting, the baseline fee offers predictability and enables many families to plan ahead, minimizing the risk of unexpected high costs mid-year — especially if optional items are managed prudently.
- Students benefit from co-curricular activities, sports, clubs, and a broader school community, which contribute to holistic development beyond academics.
Considerations & What Parents Should Watch Out For
- The official baseline does not cover many real-life costs. Without proper planning, annual expenses can escalate significantly beyond the minimum.
- Uniform and boarding-kit costs — especially at entry — can be substantial; sourcing quality items from approved suppliers or trusted shops helps avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
- Extra-curricular activities, lab fees, and subject-specific materials often add up, particularly in science or technical courses.
- Transport costs during holidays or breaks — especially for students from distant counties — must be factored in.
- Hidden or unofficial levies may arise if school management is not transparent; parents should always demand official receipts and a clear breakdown of what fees cover.
What Parents Should Do Before Enrolling
If you plan to enroll your child in Nairobi School, here are recommended steps to ensure clarity and proper budgeting:
- Request a full, itemised fee schedule from the school finance or bursar office for the current academic year.
- Clarify what is mandatory (tuition, boarding, meals, maintenance) and what is optional (extra-curricular activities, personal kit, travel, etc.).
- Ask whether there are any one-off or refundable deposits (boarding equipment, caution money, etc.).
- Estimate uniform and boarding-kit costs clearly — especially if your child is joining Form One and needs full boarding kit and uniform sets.
- Budget for books, stationery, lab/subject materials, and personal expenses for the entire academic year.
- Plan ahead for holiday travel if your child will go home during breaks — include transport costs in your annual budget.
- Use only official payment channels, submit proof of payment, and demand a proper official receipt.
- Keep copies of all payment records, receipts, and financial communications for future reference.
Nairobi School offers a compelling balance of affordability, rigorous academics, and structured boarding life — making it a strong choice for many Kenyan families. The official 2025 baseline annual fee of KSh 75,798 provides an accessible foundation. However, actual costs often rise depending on uniforms, kits, books, activities, travel, and personal expenses.
Good financial planning, early budgeting, and clear communication with the school administration are key. By requesting a full fee breakdown, distinguishing between essential and optional costs, and preparing for extras, parents can avoid surprises and ensure their child enjoys the full benefits of boarding school life without undue financial stress.
In short: Think of the government-approved fee as the “core commitment.” Then, plan realistically around the “living and growth package.” That way, you can make an informed decision — and prepare responsibly for your child’s secondary school journey at Nairobi School.
