Boys Boarding Secondary Schools in Nairobi (Senior Secondary)

Updated:

Choosing the best boys’ boarding secondary school in Nairobi is a big decision for every parent and student. Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, offers a wide range of quality public boys’ boarding schools that combine academic excellence with strong discipline and holistic development.

This article provides a comprehensive list of the best boys’ boarding secondary schools in Nairobi based on official data, academic clusters, and regional distribution. Whether you’re searching for a national, extra-county, or sub-county school, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose a Boys’ Boarding School in Nairobi?

Boys’ boarding schools provide structured environments ideal for academic focus, discipline, and independence. Nairobi’s top boys’ schools are known for:

  • High performance
  • Strong leadership and mentorship programs
  • Modern facilities and extracurricular opportunities
  • Competitive edge in national scholarships and university placements

Read: Girls’ Boarding Secondary Schools in Nairobi

List of Top Public Boys’ Boarding Secondary Schools in Nairobi

Below is an updated list of notable boys’ boarding secondary schools in Nairobi categorized by sub-county and cluster rankings:

1. Nairobi School

  • KNEC Code: 20400002
  • Sub-County: Westlands
  • Cluster: C1 (Top Tier)
  • Overview: A prestigious national school with rich history, strong academic culture, and exceptional facilities.

2. Lenana School

  • KNEC Code: 20400001
  • Sub-County: Dagoretti
  • Cluster: C1
  • Overview: One of Kenya’s oldest and most respected schools, known for high KCSE performance and discipline.

3. Starehe Boys Centre

  • KNEC Code: 20400004
  • Sub-County: Starehe
  • Cluster: C1
  • Overview: A mission-driven school that blends academic rigor with community service and leadership training.

4. Moi Forces Academy – Nairobi

  • KNEC Code: 20400008
  • Sub-County: Kamukunji
  • Cluster: C1
  • Overview: Military-sponsored national school offering academic excellence with a disciplined lifestyle.

5. Upper Hill School

  • KNEC Code: 20410002
  • Sub-County: Kibra
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: Popular for its consistent KCSE results and strong extracurricular activities like rugby and science fairs.

6. Dagoretti High School

  • KNEC Code: 20405001
  • Sub-County: Dagoretti
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: Well-established with a reputation for molding students through strong values and academic commitment.

7. Jamhuri High School

  • KNEC Code: 20403001
  • Sub-County: Starehe
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: A culturally diverse institution known for balanced academics and sports.

8. Aquinas High School

  • KNEC Code: 20401001
  • Sub-County: Makadara
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: Catholic-founded school offering excellent spiritual and academic guidance.

9. Highway Secondary School

  • KNEC Code: 20401002
  • Sub-County: Makadara
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: Known for strong academics and an active alumni network.

10. Ofafa Jericho High School

  • KNEC Code: 20401005
  • Sub-County: Makadara
  • Cluster: C2
  • Overview: A rising star in Nairobi’s educational scene with a track record in innovation and STEM.

Other Notable Boys’ Boarding Schools in Nairobi

Institution Name KNEC Code County Sub-County Institution Type Gender Cluster
STATE HOUSE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL 20406012 NAIROBI WESTLANDS PUBLIC BOYS C3
NAIROBI SCHOOL 20400002 NAIROBI WESTLANDS PUBLIC BOYS C1
KANGEMI HIGH 20406007 NAIROBI WESTLANDS PUBLIC BOYS C3
HOSPITAL HILL 20406009 NAIROBI WESTLANDS PUBLIC BOYS
LANGATA HIGH 20404001 NAIROBI LANGATA PUBLIC BOYS
LENANA SCH 20400001 NAIROBI DAGORETTI PUBLIC BOYS C1
DAGORETTI HIGH 20405001 NAIROBI DAGORETTI PUBLIC BOYS C2
MUTUINI SEC 20405005 NAIROBI DAGORETTI PUBLIC BOYS C3
UPPER HILL SEC 20410002 NAIROBI KIBRA PUBLIC BOYS C2
MUHURI MUCHIRI 20409002 NAIROBI NJIRU PUBLIC BOYS C2
RUAI BOYS 20409025 NAIROBI NJIRU PUBLIC BOYS C3
HIGHWAY SEC 20401002 NAIROBI MAKADARA PUBLIC BOYS C2
AQUINAS HIGH 20401001 NAIROBI MAKADARA PUBLIC BOYS C2
OFAFA JERICHO 20401005 NAIROBI MAKADARA PUBLIC BOYS C2
MOI FORCES ACADEMY 20400008 NAIROBI KAMUKUNJI PUBLIC BOYS C1
UHURU SEC 20402004 NAIROBI KAMUKUNJI PUBLIC BOYS C2
PUMWANI SEC 20403003 NAIROBI STAREHE PUBLIC BOYS C2
JAMHURI HIGH 20403001 NAIROBI STAREHE PUBLIC BOYS C2
PARKLANDS BOYS 20403002 NAIROBI STAREHE PUBLIC BOYS C2
STAREHE BOYS CENTRE 20400004 NAIROBI STAREHE PUBLIC BOYS C1

 

What to Consider When Choosing a Boys’ Boarding School in Nairobi

Before settling on a school, consider these key factors:

✅ Academic Performance

Review KCSE rankings and subject-specific strength (STEM, humanities, languages).

✅ Location

Proximity to home for parental visits and ease of access in emergencies.

✅ Facilities

Look into dormitories, laboratories, libraries, and recreational amenities.

✅ Discipline & Culture

Each school has its unique culture—some are religious-based, others military-influenced.

✅ Cluster Ranking

Top-tier schools (Cluster 1) are highly competitive but worth the effort if your child qualifies.

Final Thoughts

Nairobi offers some of the best boys’ boarding secondary schools in Kenya. Whether you’re aiming for a national institution like Nairobi School or an extra-county school like Upper Hill, the options are diverse and competitive. The key is to align your child’s academic strengths, personality, and goals with the school that best suits them.

Start your school search early, visit open days, and consult current school reports to make an informed decision.