List of National Schools in Kenya per County 2023
Learn about Kenya's prestigious national schools, their exceptional performance, and the opportunities they provide for students to excel.

Kenya's national schools are often described as the "crown jewels" of the country's education system. These institutions are crucial in nurturing the brightest minds and laying a foundation for future leaders and innovators. In this article, I will take you through all the national schools in Kenya for every country and explore their significance, distribution, and much more.
What are National Schools in Kenya?
In Kenya, national schools are the apex of high school education. They are highly regarded and represent a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. Historically, there were only a handful of these elite institutions, but over the years, the number has grown substantially, reflecting the government's commitment to quality education.
The Growth and Importance of National Schools
Originally, Kenya had only 17 national schools. However, as more and more parents sought top-tier education for their children, the need to expand the number of these schools became apparent. Today, there are over 100 national schools spread across various counties.
These schools are not just academic powerhouses; they are also symbols of national unity and pride. They admit students from all corners of the country, fostering a sense of national cohesion and bridging regional divides. The diverse student body in these schools reflects Kenya's rich cultural tapestry.
Characteristics of National Schools
- High Performance: National schools have consistently topped national examinations, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence.
- Large Capacities: These schools are equipped to accommodate large student populations, offering more students the chance to benefit from top-tier education.
- Gender Structures: National schools are typically all-boys, all-girls, or mixed. This structure ensures focused attention to the unique needs of each gender, promoting holistic development.
A Glimpse into Some Notable National Schools
In the Rift Valley region, for instance, schools like Moi Girls in Eldoret and Kapsabet Boys in Nandi County have made a name for themselves. The Nyanza region boasts of schools such as Maranda High in Siaya County and Maseno School in Kisumu County. In the capital city, Nairobi, institutions like Pangani Girls, Kenya High, Lenana School, and Starehe Boys Centre stand out as beacons of academic excellence.
Moving to the Central region, schools like Alliance Girls, Alliance Boys, and Mary Hill Girls in Kiambu County have carved out a reputation for themselves.
List of All national schools in kenya per county
No. | School Name | County |
---|---|---|
1 | Moi Girls, Eldoret | Uasin Gishu |
2 | St. Joseph’s Kitale | Trans Nzoia |
3 | Lodwar High | Turkana |
4 | Turkana Girls | Turkana |
5 | Chewoyet Boys High | West Pokot |
6 | St. Cecilia Tartar Girls | West Pokot |
7 | Ole Tipis Girls | Narok |
8 | Kilgoris Boys | Narok |
9 | Oolaiser Boys | Kajiado |
10 | Moi Girls Isinya | Kajiado |
11 | Nakuru Girls | Nakuru |
12 | Utumishi Academy | Nakuru |
13 | Kaplong Girls’ | Bomet |
14 | Tenwek Boys | Bomet |
15 | Kipsigis Girls’ | Kericho |
16 | Kabianga Boys | Kericho |
17 | St Patricks Iten | Elgeyo Marakwet |
18 | Moi Girls Kapsowar | Elgeyo Marakwet |
19 | Kapsabet Boys | Nandi |
20 | St. Joseph Chepterit Girls | Nandi |
21 | Baringo Boys | Baringo |
22 | Mbita High School | Homa Bay |
23 | Asumbi Girls | Homa Bay |
24 | Maranda High | Siaya |
25 | Ngiya Girls | Siaya |
26 | Nyambaria Boys | Nyamira |
27 | Sironga Girls | Nyamira |
28 | Kisii School | Kisii |
29 | Nyabururu Girls | Kisii |
30 | Maseno School | Kisumu |
31 | Kisumu Girls | Kisumu |
32 | Moi Nyabohanse Girls | Migori |
33 | Kanga High | Migori |
34 | Pangani Girls | Nairobi |
35 | Starehe Boys Centre | Nairobi |
36 | Starehe Girls Centre | Nairobi |
37 | Kenya High | Nairobi |
38 | Lenana School | Nairobi |
39 | Nairobi School | Nairobi |
40 | Alliance Girls | Kiambu |
41 | Alliance Boys | Kiambu |
42 | Mang’u Boys | Kiambu |
43 | Loreto Limuru | Kiambu |
44 | Limuru Girls | Kiambu |
45 | Mary Hill Girls | Kiambu |
46 | Murang’a High | Murang’a |
47 | Baricho Boys | Kirinyaga |
48 | Kabare Girls | Kirinyaga |
49 | Bishop Gatimu Gandu | Nyeri |
50 | Kirima Girls | Nyandarua |
51 | Nyandarua High School | Nyandarua |
52 | Nanyuki High School | Laikipia |
53 | Njonjo Girls | Laikipia |
54 | Chogoria Girls | Tharaka Nithi |
55 | Ikuu Boys | Tharaka Nithi |
56 | Moi High School Mbiruri | Embu |
57 | Siakago Girls | Embu |
58 | Meru School | Meru |
59 | St. Mary’s Girls Igoji | Meru |
60 | Isiolo Girls | Isiolo |
61 | Garbatula Boys | Isiolo |
62 | Makueni Boys | Makueni |
63 | Kathiani Girls | Machakos |
64 | Mbooni Boys | Machakos |
65 | Kitui High | Kitui |
66 | Muthale Girls | Kitui |
67 | NEP Girls | Garissa |
68 | Garissa High School | Garissa |
69 | Mandera Boys | Mandera |
70 | Moi Girls, Mandera | Mandera |
71 | Wajir Boys | Wajir |
72 | Wajir Girls | Wajir |
73 | Shimo La Tewa Boys | Mombasa |
74 | Mama Ngina Girls | Mombasa |
75 | Kenyatta High School | Taita Taveta |
76 | Bura Girls | Taita Taveta |
77 | Mpeketoni High | Lamu |
78 | Lamu Girls | Lamu |
79 | Ngao Girls | Tana River |
80 | Hola Boys | Tana River |
81 | Kwale High School | Kwale |
82 | Matuga Girls | Kwale |
83 | Bahari Girls | Kilifi |
84 | Ribe Boys | Kilifi |
85 | St. Brigids Kiminini | Kakamega |
86 | Kakamega High School | Kakamega |
87 | Butere Girls | Kakamega |
88 | Chavakali High School | Vihiga |
89 | Bunyore Girls | Vihiga |
90 | Sa Kolanya Girls | Busia |
91 | Friends School Kamusinga | Busia |
92 | Lugulu Girls | Busia |
93 | Butula Boys High School | Busia |
Why are National Schools So Coveted?
- Quality Education: These institutions offer a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education and the job market.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: From modern libraries to science labs, national schools are well-equipped, providing students with the best learning environment.
- Extracurricular Activities: Beyond academics, these schools offer a range of activities, from sports to drama, ensuring the holistic development of students.
- Experienced Faculty: The schools boast experienced and dedicated teachers passionate about imparting knowledge.
READ ALSO: List Of All National Schools in Kenya (2023 Edition)
Conclusion
In the vast landscape of Kenya's education system, national schools stand tall as pillars of excellence. They are more than just institutions; they are a testament to Kenya's dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. As the country continues to grow and evolve, these schools will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
FAQs
How many national schools are there in Kenya?
Currently, there are 105 national schools in Kenya.
What criteria are used to categorize national schools into clusters?
National schools are categorized into clusters based on factors such as the age of the school, capacity, and available resources.
Why are national schools considered prestigious in Kenya?
National schools are known for their outstanding facilities, dedicated teaching staff, and excellent academic performance, making them highly regarded.
How can students secure admission to national schools?
Admission to national schools is highly competitive and is based on performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations.
Are national schools only for specific genders?
No, national schools can be all-boys or all-girls institutions, or in some cases, mixed schools.
What is the government's role in expanding national schools?
The government expanded the number of national schools to promote national cohesion and regional balance, ensuring that quality education is accessible to students across Kenya.
Are national schools evenly distributed across counties?
National schools are distributed across various counties in Kenya to ensure equitable access to quality education.
What benefits do students gain from attending national schools?
Students in national schools enjoy top-notch facilities, highly qualified teachers, and a conducive learning environment, which significantly contributes to their academic success.