This is an article about the best private primary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. Kiambu County is one of the 47 counties in Kenya, located in the former Central Province. It covers an area of 2,543.5 square kilometers and has a population of 2,417,735 people, according to the 2019 census. It is headed by Kimani Wa Matangi, the governor of Kiambu County, following his election win on a UDA ticket and successful swearing-in after the 2022 general election. He is deputized by H.E. Rosemary Kirika, who hails from Gatundu-North subcounty. Although the capital is Kiambu town, the executive conducts business from Thika town.
Kiambu County has a reputation for having some of the top-performing private primary schools in the country, which have consistently produced academic giants in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations. The county produced the top student nationally in the 2019 KCPE exam. Munyiri Andy Michael from Damacrest School emerged as the best candidate with 440 marks out of 500. He was followed by Flavian Onyango from Chakol Girls, who scored 439 marks.
The following is a list of some of the best private primary schools in Kiambu County, based on their academic performance, facilities, and reputation. The list is not ranked in any particular order.
List Of Best Private Primary Schools In Kiambu County
1. Damacrest School
Damacrest Schools is a mixed day and boarding school private primary school for both girls and boys. The school is located at Uthiru 87 and Thogoto Road in Kiambu County, Kikuyu Constituency. It was founded in 1996 by Mr. and Mrs. David Mwangi. It offers the 8-4-4 curriculum and has a student population of about 1,000 pupils. It has modern facilities such as computer labs, a library, a music room, and playgrounds. It also offers co-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, and music festivals.
2. Lily Academy ( best performing primary school in Kiambu County)
The school is on the serene outskirts of Kahawa Sukari, bordering Mwihoko. It was established in 2013 as a sister school to Lily Academy Githurai with the intention of reaching the Mwihoko and Kahawa Sukari Estates.
Lily Academy Mwihoko is a mixed-day and boarding school. It offers French, swimming, computers, board games, etc. The school has been participating in co-curricular activities in ball games, music, and drama. In all the activities, we have managed to reach the county level.
In the year 2017, the school sat for its first KCPE and managed to get a mean score of 375 marks
Lily Academy follows the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and has a student enrollment of about 800 pupils. It has well-equipped classrooms, a library, a science lab, and playing fields. It also provides transport, catering, guidance, and counseling services to its students.
3. Stepping Stone School
This is a mixed-day boarding school located near Thika Town, founded in 1998. It offers the CBC curriculum and has a student body of about 600 pupils. It has spacious classrooms, a library, a computer lab, an art room, and sports facilities. It also participates in academic contests, drama festivals, and environmental clubs.
4. Kahawa Presbyterian School
Kahawa Presbyterian School is also one of the best private schools in Kiambu County. This is a mixed-day school located in Kahawa Sukari Estate along Thika Road. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA). It was started in 1991 by Rev. Dr. David Gathanju. It follows the CBC curriculum and has a student population of about 500. It has modern facilities such as smart boards, a library, a science lab, and a music room. It also engages in spiritual activities, community service, and talent development.
5. Juja Preparatory School
This is a mixed day boarding school located in Juja Town along Thika Road. Juja Preparatory Schools (JPS) was founded in 1997 with the aim of providing education in an atmosphere of a home-away-from-home. It offers the CBC curriculum and offers a range of activities throughout the year to expose the children to different interests in hopes that they will gain new skills and explore different interests. These range from music, arts, chess, ballet, aviation, and environmental conservation. It has state-of-the-art facilities such as an ICT lab, library, swimming pool, and gymnasium. It also organizes educational trips, exchange programs, and cultural events.
Juja Preparatory School Contacts
- +254 729 444 555
- +254 724 256 050
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 298 Kalimoni, 01001 Kenya
6. Wankan Academy( another best private primary school in Kiambu county)
Wankan Academy School is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu County. Wankan Academy started in 1992 as a daycare centre at Zimmerman’s estate in Nairobi. Due to the demand for more space, more land was attained at Ruiru to enhance expansion.
A marshy and impassable land was gradually developed to accommodate the school. In 1996 another branch started at Ruiru with only 30 day scholars who had transferred from Zimmerman.
The boarding section was opened in 1997, and the first batch of KCPE candidates sat the exam in 1999. Wankan Academy comprises a mixed day and boarding primary school, a girls’ boarding high school, and a P1 teachers training college, all located at Ruiru, behind the Kenyatta University Ruiru campus. It also encompasses Dy Primary School in Zimmerman, Nairobi.
The following achievements of the school make it one of the best primary schools in Kiambu County
Year | Wankan Academy Achievements |
1998 | 4th Position in Thika District (K.C.P.E.) 1st Attempt, Position 140 nationally |
1999 | 15th position nationally (K.C.P.E.), 2nd position in Thika District Produced Master Environment |
2000 | 1st Position in Thika District (K.C.P.E.) |
2001 | THIKA District Education Office Awards: |
The best primary school in Thika District The best primary school in Ruiru Division Best Private School in Thika District Top Student in Thika District | |
2002 | Top student: 447/500. Lowest student: 338/500. Mean Score 397.62/500. Form 1 intake: 28% to National Schools 71.1% to provincial schools. |
2003 | Wankan Girls’ High School started all Girls only boarding. KCPE performance: Top pupil 458/500, Lowest 372/500 Mean score: 429.76/500 Ist in Thika District and 8th Form 1 intake:-34.3% to National Schools and 65.7% to Provincial Schools |
2004 | Wankan Girls’ High School started all Girls only boarding. KCPE performance: Top pupil 458/500, Lowest 372/500 Mean score 429.76/500 Ist in Thika District and 8th Form 1 intake:-34.3% to National Schools and 65.7% to Provincial Schools |
2005 | Top student: 441/500, lowest: 343/500. Mean score: 390.4/500 |
2006 | Top student: 423/500; lowest: 300. Mean score: 380.55 Over 400 marks 23 |
2007 | Top Student: 431/500 Lowest 300 Mean score: 377.51 Over 400–23 students |
2008 | Top student: 443/500; lowest: 312 mean score 375.67 |
2009 | Top student: 418/500, lowest: 270 Mean score: 364.7 (86 students) |
2010 | Top Student: 419/500, Lowest: 300 Mean score: 364.7 (86 students) |
2011 | The school produced Master Environment in National Environmental Awareness Competition |
2012 | The school produced Master Environment in the National Environmental Awareness Competition |
2013 | Top student 428/500; Lowest 284 Mean score 376.26 |
2014 | Top student 432; Lowest 355 Top school in Kiambu County Mean score: 35.05 Over 400 marks, 20 pupils |
2015 | Top student: 447/500. Lowest student: 338/500. Mean Score 397.62/500. Form 1 intake: 28% of National Schools 71.1% to provincial schools. |
Wankan Academy Contacts
The following are the contact information for Wankam Academy School:
- PO Box 105-00232
- Ruiru – Kenya
- Tel: 020-2025174,
- Cellphone: 0714-147362, 0738-620556, 0712-685686
- Tel/Fax: 020-3751991
- E-mail: [email protected]
- [email protected]
What activities does Wankan Academy offer?
* Football | * Environmental Club |
* Netball | * Wildlife Club |
* Chess | * Scouts Association |
* Scrabble | * Research Club |
* Table Tennis | * C.U./C.A. |
* Swimming | * Creative Writing |
What facilities make Wankan Academy a better school?
These include spacious classrooms in a very attractive serene environment, well-equipped computer and science labs, a modern swimming pool, a clinic with a resident nurse, state of a state-of-the-art dining hall, and well-maintained buses for transport.
7. Juja St Peters School
Founded in the year 2000 by the late Mrs. Mary W. Mburu, Juja St Peters School is the best school in Kiambu County that started from humble beginnings as a Christian private school, mixed day and boarding with 19 pupils i.e. 18 in the primary section and 1 in the kindergarten section.
The pioneer class did their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2002 and scored a mean grade of 362. The school progressed in size and performance; for example, in 2006, the school’s mean grade shot to 370, with the first candidate being 2nd in the former central region.
JSPS has consistently produced the top candidates in Thika West every year in national examinations. This is a manifestation of the quality of the teaching staff, a dedicated administration, and the exceptional pupils joining the school each year. The school offers the 8-4-4 curriculum which emphasizes a holistic preparation of a pupil.
To date, the school has moved a niche higher due to success and demand and has expanded opportunities to have a full-fledged kindergarten solely running by itself separate from the primary section.
Contacts: 0715 501203
8. Violata Academy
This is a mixed-day school located in Ruiru Town along Ruiru-Kamiti Road and is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu established in 2006. It offers the CBC curriculum and has a student enrollment of about 100 pupils. It has standard facilities such as classrooms, a library, a science lab, and playing fields. It also provides transport, catering, and guidance and counseling services to its students.
9. Pen Elite Academy
This is a mixed-day school and located in Githunguri Town along Githunguri-Kimende Road. It was founded in 2007. It follows the CBC curriculum and has a student body of about 80 pupils. It has basic facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and playgrounds. It also engages in academic excellence, moral values, and talent development.
10. Makena School
Makena School was set up in 1996 by the late Mrs. L.A. Obonyo, the proprietor, and a well renowned early childhood and primary school administrator. She had pursued a course in Early Childhood Education at Siriba Teachers College and was later employed by the Nairobi City Council and was required to set up a number of nursery schools within the city.
She first set up Parklands Nursery School and later set up two other schools in Highridge and Mbagathi. In 1989, she joined JKUAT to initiate another nursery school project which stands today as Jomo Kenyatta Academy. After twenty years of experience in successfully setting up and running nursery schools for various reputable organizations, she decided that it was time to pursue her long-held ambition to start her own school. She renovated one of her rental houses in Juja into a Nursery School (which still currently houses the Kindergarten). Makena, the name of the school, attracted her as it had the connotation of happiness as was her determination to make children happy through learning. Because of her ambitions, Makena school is now ranked as one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu County.
Her aim was to design and implement a school program where a child learns the nature of the world through observation, manipulation, and exploration. The main goal was to offer quality education with a difference to the children by striving for excellence and aiming for the highest possible standards attainable for each child educationally, behaviorally, and morally.
Makena school fee structure
Fee structures are available upon request. Kindly send an email to [email protected] or call our official school line 0758 904 290.
Contacts
- +254758904290
- [email protected]
11. Thika Joyland Junior Academy
Joy Land Academy Primary School, located in Gatanga, is a privately operated primary school, offering day school services. This educational institution follows a standard mixed-gender approach.
Within the school’s premises, there are eight classrooms available to accommodate students. Facilities include four boys’ toilets, four girls’ toilets, and two teachers’ toilets. Currently, the school has 146 male students and 132 female students, totaling 278 enrolled students. Additionally, there are eight individuals in other categories.
Furthermore, Joy Land Academy Primary School employs four male non-teaching staff members and three female non-teaching staff members to support the school’s operations in Gatanga.
12. Thika Primrose School
This is a mixed-day school. Thika Primrose Primary School is a private primary school located in a municipality near Thika Town, Juja Constituency, in Kiambu County, Kenya. Started in 2010, it follows the CBC curriculum and has a student body of about 600 pupils. It has minimal facilities such as classrooms, a library, and playing fields. It also engages in spiritual activities, community service, and talent development.
13. Thika Springs Academy( another best private primary school in Kiambu)
Thika Springs Academy School in Juja is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu. It is a privately managed primary school that operates as a day school. This educational institution is of ordinary status and welcomes students of both genders.
The school maintains a favorable pupil-to-classroom ratio of 1.8:1, ensuring a more personalized learning experience. Additionally, the student facilities include four classrooms, one boys’ toilet, one girls’ toilet, and one teachers’ toilet.
Thika Springs Academy School currently has a total enrollment of seven students.
School Information:
- School Name: Thika Springs Academy School
- Location: Juja
- Category: Ordinary, Mixed, Day Only
- Management: Private Individual
School Location Details:
Thika Springs Academy School is situated in the Central Province, Thika district, Ruiru division, Juja location, and Juja Constituency.
14. Good Shepherd Primary School (one of the best Private Primary School in Kiambu)
Location: Kikuyu
15. Lari Hills Academy
Lari Hills Academy School in Kirenga, Kenya, is one of the best privately owned primary schools in Kiambu offering both day and boarding programs. It falls under the category of an ordinary mixed-gender institution. The school maintains a pupil-to-classroom ratio of 23.1 students per classroom and a pupil-to-toilet ratio of 9.5 students per toilet.
The school is equipped with a total of 9 classrooms, 10 boys’ toilets, 12 girls’ toilets, and 4 teachers’ toilets. Currently, there are 208 students enrolled in the school, with 3 male and 7 female members on the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and 5 male and 2 female non-teaching staff members.
Lari Hills Academy School is situated in the Central Province, Kiambu County, specifically in Lari division, Kirenga location, and falls within the Lari Constituency.
16. Tigoni Baptist Primary School
Tigoni Baptist Primary School, situated in Karambaini, is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu. It is a privately run primary school managed by a religious organization. Operating as a day school and follows an integrated and mixed-gender model of education.
This educational institution maintains a student-to-classroom ratio of 14.9 to 1, ensuring a relatively small class size. Additionally, the student-to-toilet ratio is 23.8 to 1, with facilities including 8 classrooms, 2 boys’ toilets, 3 girls’ toilets, and 4 teachers’ toilets.
As of the latest enrollment data, Tigoni Baptist Primary School has 119 students. The school’s Parent Teachers Association (PTA) consists of 4 male members and 5 female members, while the Board of Governors (BOG) includes 4 male members and 5 female members.
Furthermore, Tigoni Baptist Primary School employs 1 male and 2 female non-teaching staff members to support its operations.
For geographical context, the school is located in the Central province, within Kiambu county, Limuru division, Karambaini location, and falls under the Limuru Constituency.
17. Muthiga Academy ( is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu)
Location: Kikuyu
18. Kiambu Hillcrest Academy
Hillcrest Junior Academy Primary School, located in Kiambaa S/Area, Kenya, is one of the best private primary educational institutions in Kiambu County. It follows the 8-4-4 education system, encompassing eight years of primary education, four years of secondary education, and four years of university education. The school offers the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), overseen by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) under the Ministry of Education.
School Details:
- Name: Hillcrest Junior Academy Primary School
- Management/Sponsorship: Private
- Status: Private School
- Institution Type: Ordinary, Day School (Co-education, accommodating both boys and girls)
Location:
You can find Hillcrest Junior Academy Primary School in Kiambaa S/Area.
Student Enrollment and Staffing:
- Total Enrollment: 60 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20
- Non-Teaching Female Staff: 1
- Other Male Staff: 1
- Other Female Staff: 2
Official School Hours:
In accordance with the Basic Education Regulations 2014 by the Ministry of Education, the school operates during the following hours:
- Class hours: 08:00 A.M. to 03:30 P.M.
- Game, club, and co-curricular activity hours: 03:30 P.M. to 04:45 P.M.
School Results:
For Hillcrest Junior Academy Primary School result slips, you can visit the www.knec-portal.ac.ke website. Additionally, for more examination-related information, please refer to the official website portal of the Kenyan National Examinations Council (KNEC) at www.knec.ac.ke.
Location: Kiambu
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19. Bethlehem Academy
Bethlehem Academy-Ruriu is a Christian-founded top-performing private primary school started in 1995 with only three classrooms. It has over the years grown into an academic giant, producing top students nationally. The school has a mixed primary school and a girls’ secondary school.
Bethlehem Academy has been using the 8-4-4 system, which adopted 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary education, and 4 years of university education. It was introduced in 1985. Bethlehem Academy has been using this system since the introduction of the competency-based curriculum. Using this system, they have been able to produce some of the best-performing students in the country.
It has over the years grown into an academic giant, producing top students nationally. among them being Kennedy Mukuna, the 3rd best student nationally in 2002, and Eleanor Karungari, the top girl nationally in 2010. All Bethlehem Academy students join top National and Extra County schools and upon completion of their secondary school studies, they join reputable universities both local and international.
After Competency Based Curriculum was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2017. Bethlehem Academy, implemented CBC in the year 2018. The escence of CBC is to emphasize the significance of developing skills and knowledge and also applying those competencies to real life situations.
Bethlehem Academy contacts
- +(254) 721 975139
- [email protected]
- P.O Box 677 – 00232 Ruiru, Kenya
Thika Rd. Exit-13
20. Kimende Prestige Academy
Kimende Prestige Academy Primary School, situated in Kijabe, operates as one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu County under the management of a religious organization. It offers both day and boarding facilities and is classified as an ordinary and mixed-gender institution.
This school maintains a pupil-to-classroom ratio of 20.1 students per classroom and a pupil-to-toilet ratio of 11.5 students per toilet. The school boasts a total of 8 classrooms, along with 6 boys’ toilets, 8 girls’ toilets, and 2 teachers’ toilets. Currently, there are 161 enrolled students at the institution.
Additionally, Kimende Prestige Academy Primary School has an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) with 6 male and 6 female members, as well as a Board of Governors (BOG) comprising 6 male and 6 female members. The school employs 3 male non-teaching staff members and 2 female non-teaching staff members.
For geographical reference, Kimende Prestige Academy Primary School is located in the Central province, Kiambu district, within the Lari division. Specifically, it is situated in the Kijabe location and falls under the Lari Constituency.
21. Precious Blood Academy
Precious Blood Academy Primary School is located in the Central Region of Kiambu County and is one of the best private primary schools in Kiambu.
Location: Kenyatta Road