Nakuru is one of Kenya's fastest-growing counties and home to some of the most competitive schools in the Rift Valley region. Whether you are enrolling a child in primary school, planning for junior secondary, or choosing a senior school after Grade 9 placement, this guide gives you a clear picture of the strongest options across Nakuru County.

National schools in Nakuru County

National schools admit learners from across Kenya based on KCSE performance under the old system and will admit based on CBE placement under the new system. Nakuru County has two national schools that consistently rank among the best in the country.

School Type Location Known for
Moi High School Kabarak National, Mixed Boarding Kabarak, Nakuru North Consistently top 10 nationally, strong sciences and co-curricular programme
Nakuru Girls High School National, Girls Boarding Nakuru Town Top national girls school in the Rift Valley, strong academic and leadership record

Extra-county and county schools

Students attending class in a Nakuru school

Extra-county schools admit learners from across the county and from neighbouring counties. These schools offer strong academics and are often the realistic target for most high-performing learners in Nakuru.

School Type Location Known for
Molo Academy Extra-County, Boys Boarding Molo Strong STEM performance, competitive entry, well-established boarding facilities
Anestar Boys High School Extra-County, Boys Boarding Lanet, Nakuru Consistent top performer in Nakuru County, strong discipline and academics
Bahati Girls Secondary School Extra-County, Girls Boarding Bahati Strong girls school in the county, good academic results and co-curricular activities
Nakuru High School County, Mixed Day and Boarding Nakuru Town One of the oldest schools in Nakuru, strong academic tradition and town location
Utumishi Academy Extra-County, Mixed Boarding Nakuru Strong all-round performance, good facilities, popular with parents in Nakuru town

Best primary schools in Nakuru

Primary school choice in Nakuru depends heavily on location, fees, and the specific needs of your child. The schools below have strong reputations for academic performance and are well regarded by parents across the county.

School Type Location
Nakuru Primary School Public Nakuru Town
Hill School Nakuru Private Nakuru Town
Greensteds International School International Private Nakuru
Pembroke House School Private Boarding Gilgil
Anestar Girls Primary Private Nakuru Town

Junior secondary schools in Nakuru

Under the CBE system, junior secondary school covers Grades 7, 8, and 9. Most primary schools in Kenya have added a junior secondary section. In Nakuru, the following schools have established junior secondary programmes with good facilities and qualified teachers.

School Grade levels Location
Nakuru Primary School JSS Grades 7 to 9 Nakuru Town
Hill School Nakuru JSS Grades 7 to 9 Nakuru Town
Greensteds International JSS Grades 7 to 9 Nakuru
Anestar Girls JSS Grades 7 to 9 Nakuru Town

How to choose the right school in Nakuru

School choice in Nakuru depends on several factors that go beyond academic rankings. Distance from home matters for day school learners. Boarding fees vary significantly between public and private schools. The CBE pathway your child is placed in will also determine which senior schools are the best fit.

For senior school placement, confirm which pathways the school offers before submitting your choices. Not all schools offer all three CBE pathways.
National schools like Moi Kabarak and Nakuru Girls admit based on placement scores. Prepare your child well through consistent SBA and strong KJSEA performance.
For primary and junior secondary, visit the school in person. Ask about teacher-to-learner ratios, SBA recording practices, and how they communicate with parents.
Private schools in Nakuru vary widely in fees. Always request a full fee structure including development levy, activity fees, and uniform costs before enrolling.

Schools and the CBE transition

All schools in Nakuru County are now operating under the CBE system. Junior secondary school is hosted either within primary school compounds or in standalone junior secondary schools depending on the institution. Senior secondary schools are admitting their first CBE cohort in Grade 10.

If your child is preparing for the KJSEA at the end of Grade 9, read our guide on how to revise for the KJSEA. For a full explanation of how senior school placement works and how to choose the right pathway, read our guide on CBE senior school pathways explained.

Choosing the right school in Nakuru is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. The schools listed here have strong track records, but the best school for your child is the one that fits their learning style, pathway, and your family's practical needs. Visit, ask questions, and make the decision with full information.