Choosing the right secondary school in Nairobi is a major decision for any family. Kenya’s capital continues to stand out as a hub for quality education, and parents and students must weigh factors such as academic performance, holistic development, and future career opportunities.
This guide takes an in-depth look at the top-performing public secondary schools in Nairobi County, drawing from years of academic results, institutional reputation, and overall excellence.
The Changing Face of Education in Nairobi
Education in Nairobi is undergoing a major transformation. The long-established 8-4-4 system is gradually being replaced by the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a shift aimed at equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for an increasingly dynamic global economy.
Even with these changes, Nairobi’s top schools continue to uphold the high academic standards that have defined them for decades. From National and Extra-County schools to County and Sub-County institutions, the city remains home to some of Kenya’s best-performing secondary schools, consistently dominating national rankings through strong academic results, discipline, and well-rounded student development.
Secondary Schools In Nairobi: Comparative Performance Snapshot
Based on historical academic data, the following schools have maintained a tradition of elite performance (Data based on 2010 benchmarks).
School Name | Mean Grade | Key Strength |
Pangani Girls | 9.00 | Consistent National Lead |
Kianda School | 9.00 | Personalized Private Education |
Strathmore School | 8.86 | Moral and Academic Integrity |
Consolata School | 8.69 | Academic Excellence |
Nairobi School | 8.50 | Comprehensive Curriculum |
Sunshine Secondary | 7.78 | Holistic Career Prep |
Public National Schools In Nairobi
Public national schools in Nairobi are among the most competitive in the country, attracting the highest-performing students from every county through a merit-based placement system
Kenya High School
Popularly known among the student circles as ‘BOMA,’ Kenya High School is a prestigious public high school for all girls in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 1910, the school consistently achieves exceptional results in national examinations (KCSE).
The school’s rigorous and comprehensive curriculum spans various subjects, providing a solid foundation for further education and future careers.
The environment, complete with majestic colonial buildings, exudes character, tidiness, and academic enthusiasm.
When we say the school has consistently produced exceptional results, we are referring to notable alumni, including Supreme Court Justice Njoki Susan Ndungu and prominent Lawyer and Human Rights Activist Judy Thongori.
Location: Along Mandera Road, Kileleshwa neighborhood, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0724 253920, Email: [email protected].
Starehe Boys’ Center and School
You’ll be hell-bent if you think “Stahere,” which means “Comfort” in Swahili, would be anything you’d find in Starehe Boys’ Center and School. If anything, the school’s persistence in academic excellence has changed the meaning of the word to most Kenyans.
The public boys’ only institution was established in 1959 by Dr. Geoffrey William Griffin, who envisioned providing exceptional education to gifted yet financially disadvantaged boys. The school has a reputation for consistently producing top scholars while maintaining an emphasis on character development, moral values, and discipline.
Beyond the textbooks, Starehe Boys’ Center and School offers co-curricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and community service, encouraging holistic personal growth. That’s not all. Thanks to the state-of-the-art facilities at the institution, the boy’s center offers a conducive learning environment for its students.
The school also has a tertiary institution offering Computer and Accountancy Studies. Notable Alumni from Starehe Boys’ Center and School include prominent politician Peter Kenneth, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, and prolific Jazz Musician Joseph Hellon.
Location: General Waruinge Street, Nairobi.
Contact: +254 777 761 213-7 or +254 727 531 001. Email: [email protected].
Pangani Girls High School
Located along Juja Road, Pangani Girls’ High School is a distinguished public all-girls school in Nairobi. Founded in 1959, it has developed into a powerhouse of academic excellence over the years.
The public girls’ high school maintains high standards for its students in terms of academic performance, character, and demeanor. Discipline and values are emphasized, instilling principles of integrity and respect. Pagani Girls are molded to be successful top-tier women in society.
Pangani Girls High School offers a comprehensive curriculum that consistently produces top candidates in national examinations. The school focuses on empowering young women and fostering self-confidence, resilience, and ambition. It also provides a supportive environment in which students develop leadership skills.
To foster holistic development among its students, the school offers co-curricular activities, including sports, clubs, and societies, that cater to students’ diverse interests.
Location: Juja Road, Pangani Area, Nairobi.
Contact: +254 (0) 700 182 087, or email: [email protected].
Lenana School
Established in 1949, Lenana Boys School is a public all-boys high school in Kenya that is known for academic excellence, leadership, and character. The school’s faculty thrives not only on producing smart and intelligent boys but also on developing future leaders of the nation and the world at large.
Away from the classroom, Lenana School is a force to be reckoned with on the playing field, competing in national high school leagues for football, rugby, and athletics.
Its faculty’s holistic approach to grooming boys into men has had a profound effect on society, with notable alumni including influential figures such as IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati, Nairobi Governor Johnston Sakaja, and Richard Leakey.
Location: Park Road, Nairobi.
Contact: +254 722 977795, 254 722 977726, or email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].
Nairobi School
Established in 1902, Nairobi School is a prestigious Cluster III public high school in Kenya. In addition to its long historical presence in the country, it is a beacon of academic excellence in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations.
Nairobi School has an extensive curriculum covering sciences, humanities, arts, and languages. Coupled with co-curricular activities such as athletics, rugby, soccer, and basketball, along with clubs such as debating, music, drama, and environmental conservation, every student gets to discover their inner strengths, preparing them for a dynamic world.
The school has made a significant impact in the country and globally with alumnae, including pop musician Nyashinsky, Legal legends like Sharad Rao, and politicians George Omari Nyamwea and Paul Otuoma.
Location: Along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 0740 547 354 or 0741 946 507. Email: [email protected].
Moi Forces Academy, Nairobi
Moi Forces Academy, popularly known among student circles as “MFA,” is not a military camp but a highly regarded military-based public high school near Moi Air Base in the Kamukunji area of Nairobi.
Founded in 1978, the Academy is committed to providing quality education while honoring its military roots and instilling discipline, patriotism, and a strong sense of duty among its student body. No wonder MFA places a lot of emphasis on discipline and character development. Students at Moi Forces Academy adhere to strict codes, including wearing uniforms and adhering to military protocols.
The Academy’s goal is to instill values like integrity, self-discipline, teamwork, and respect for authority. It doesn’t end with discipline and respect – over the years, Moi Forces Academy Nairobi has proved that discipline begets success, consistently displaying remarkable results in national examinations. In 2020, 75% of students who sat for national examinations at the school secured government sponsorships to public universities across Kenya.
Location: Along Juja Road Near Moi Air Base in the Kamukunji area, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254 (020) 6761155/56, 0722921509, 0734761242). Email: [email protected], [email protected].
Moi Girls High School, Nairobi
Established in 1964, Moi Girls High School, also known as Moi Girls Nairobi, is a prominent all-girls public high school on Joseph Kangethe Road in Nairobi. The school is named after Kenya’s second president, Daniel Arap Moi.
Other than adopting the name of a national historical figure, Moi Girls Nairobi is renowned for its academic excellence in national examinations, strong discipline, and a holistic approach to education.
For decades, it’s been a beacon of academic performance, constantly leading with impressive results. Backed by a comprehensive curriculum, it provides a broad educational base for future career choices.
The all-girls public high school has earned a reputation for producing top-performing students who gain admission to top tertiary institutions globally. Notable alumni include Lawyer and Politician Martha Karua and Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda.
Location: Along Joseph Kangethe Road, Nairobi.
Contact: +254 792 959 502 or Email at [email protected].
Top-Performing Private and Extra-County Schools
While public schools remain a more affordable option, many parents in Nairobi prefer private and extra-county institutions for their smaller class sizes, modern learning facilities, and more personalized approach to education. These schools are also known for offering strong academic support, extensive co-curricular programs, and an environment that nurtures individual talents alongside classroom performance.
Strathmore School
Strathmore School was the first multi-racial school in Kenya, established in 1961. The school is a beacon of academic excellence, focusing on instilling moral values, discipline, character, self-drive, and social responsibility in its students.
In addition to upholding exceptional academic standards, the school is known for promoting active involvement in initiatives that benefit the less privileged in society.
The school offers an extensive learning ecosystem, including Strathmore University and College. Notable alumni from Strathmore include the late billionaire Chris Kirubi, American Footballer Daniel Adongo, Popstar Nameless, and prominent Politician the Late Michael Kijana Wamalwa.
Location: Mzima Springs Lane, Lavington, Nairobi.
Contact: +254722221221, +254718222222, +254733937945. Email: [email protected].
Starehe Girls Center and School
Starehe Girls Center and School, popularly known as ‘Starehe Girls,’ is a well-regarded girls’ school in Nairobi. Established in 2005 as an extension of the Starehe Boys Center, Starehe continues to pursue the same principles as its brother school.
With a primary focus on providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to bright and needy girls, the girls’ center has outdone itself by following in the footsteps of its older sibling, Starehe Boys.
To date, the girls’ high school still upholds its mandate to enroll students and offer quality education and life-nourishment scholarships, regardless of their economic background.
Location: Bustani Estate, off Kiambu Road.
Contact: (+254) 020 2025500, 0707 900 852, 0738 255 448; Email: [email protected].
Precious Blood Girls High School
Located on Naivasha Road in Kawangware, Dagoretti, Precious Blood Girls High School was founded by the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Since then, the institution has maintained a strong record of producing high-achieving students.
The girls’ school’s commitment to academic success is complemented by a supportive learning environment, dedicated teaching faculty, well-equipped classrooms, and facilities.
Beyond academics, Precious Blood Girls’ High School places a strong emphasis on the character development, discipline, and spiritual growth of its girls. The all-girls institution is guided by Christian principles that lead the school, encouraging moral integrity, leadership, and a sense of social responsibility.
Location: Along Naivasha Road in Kawangware, Dagoretti.
Contact: (+254) 0720238907. Email: [email protected], [email protected].
Sunshine Secondary School
Sunshine Secondary School was founded on 14 February by Daniel Torotich Arap Moi, the former president of Kenya. The Christian all-boys school focuses on academic excellence and beyond.
According to the teaching faculty, Sunshine Boys High School equips its boys with the skills to succeed in their careers. The school is dedicated to providing quality education in an enabling and sustainable environment, while nurturing students’ holistic development in partnership with its stakeholders.
At Sunshine Boys High School, the students are encouraged to discover their passions and explore their full potential.
Location: Langata Rd, Nairobi.
Contact: +254-725668366. Email: [email protected].
State House Girls’ High School
As the name suggests, State House Girls’ High School is located on State House Road in Nairobi. The all-girls high school has an illustrious history and sits on a site once occupied by a former European Hospital.
Founded in 1954, State House Girls’ High School has evolved into a highly regarded institution. Its core focus is to excel in providing high-quality educational services within an integrated, student-centered, and holistic framework, while working with key stakeholders and the local community.
The school’s educational standards are the result of accountability, dependability, and excellence, and are grounded in a commitment to professionalism, success, and integrity. State House Girls’ High School isn’t just about academics and character development; its co-curricular programs include sports, clubs, and societies.
Swimming, athletics, and other sports are also part of the extra-curricular offerings.
Location: State House Road in Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 020-2719857. They can also be reached via email at [email protected].
St. George’s Girls High School
St. George’s Girls High School is a prestigious public provincial all-girls boarding school on Dennis Pritt Road in the Kilimani neighborhood of Nairobi. Established in 1986, the girls’ school transitioned from a mixed-day to a boarding school.
Currently, St. George’s caters to 1,190 girls across six classes, with the majority coming from Nairobi County – a fraction of these students represent other regions, including marginalized districts. Even though the all-girls school is rooted in the Christian faith, it accepts students from all religions.
Over the years, St. George’s Girls High School has consistently produced impressive results on the national examinations. Beyond the classrooms, the school offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies, as well as sports such as basketball, soccer, and swimming.
Location: Along Dennis Pritt Road, Kilimani neighborhood, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 020-2719857. Email at [email protected].
About the Author
Charles Sifwabi is a Kenyan freelance writer, journalist, and digital content creator known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of Kenyan lifestyle, travel, and automotive culture. As a contributor to ReachTheDodo, he has built a reputation for producing informative, reader-friendly articles that blend practical insights with compelling narratives.
His work spans a wide range of topics, including automotive reviews, tech, and travel guides highlighting destinations across Kenya, such as Kilifi and Eldoret. Charles also covers entertainment, fashion, and celebrity news, showcasing his versatility as a lifestyle writer with a strong connection to contemporary Kenyan culture.