Table of Contents
Introduction
Thinking about pulling your child out of traditional school? You’re not alone. Home schooling in Kenya is on the rise, offering parents flexibility, personalized learning, and more control over their child’s education. In this guide, we break down how to legally and practically get started — from choosing a curriculum to registering for KCSE.
✅ Quick Answer: Can You Do Home Schooling in Kenya?
Yes, home schooling in Kenya is legal, though it is not formally regulated under a specific homeschool law. Parents and guardians can educate their children at home using local or international curricula such as CBC, 8-4-4, IGCSE, or ACE. Learners must register as private candidates if they want to sit national exams like KCPE or KCSE.
✔️ You can choose to teach your child yourself, hire a homeschool tutor, or use an online learning platform in Kenya like Sunrise Virtual School or ElimuPlus.
✔️ While not officially recognized by KNEC as a schooling method, home-educated learners are allowed to register for exams.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling refers to educating your child outside a traditional school environment — at home — under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or hired tutor. It may involve printed books, digital learning, or registered online schools in Kenya.
It differs from:
- Online schooling, where learners attend virtual classes from a registered school.
- Tutoring, which usually supplements traditional schooling.
Homeschooling in Kenya is becoming increasingly popular among:
- Parents dissatisfied with the CBC system.
- Families with kids who have special needs.
- Expats or missionaries in remote regions.
- Parents in Nairobi looking for flexible schedules.
Is Homeschooling in Kenya Legal?
Currently, homeschooling in Kenya is not explicitly regulated by a legal framework. However:
- The Basic Education Act (2013) does not prohibit it.
- Learners can sit for KCPE and KCSE as private candidates.
- KNEC does not yet recognize homeschooling centers officially, but they accept exam registration via approved schools or sub-county offices.
- Parents are responsible for curriculum delivery and assessment.
Many homeschoolers in Kenya operate under umbrella programs or use registered homeschooling centres in Kenya to avoid legal gray zones.
What Curriculum Can You Use for Home Schooling in Kenya?
Kenyan homeschoolers use a wide variety of curricula based on their goals:
| Curriculum | Description | Exams |
|---|---|---|
| 8-4-4 | Traditional Kenyan curriculum | KCPE / KCSE |
| CBC | Competency-Based Curriculum | Assessment is school-based, and general national exams at various levels of study. |
| IGCSE | British system, widely used online | Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Edexcel (now known as Pearson Edexcel) |
| Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) | Christian faith-based American system | Internal assessment |
| Montessori | Best for early childhood learning | Learner-centered |
If you’re focused on KCSE success, stick with 8-4-4. For more flexible learning or relocating abroad, consider IGCSE.
How to Start Home Schooling in Kenya – Step-by-Step
1. Choose Your Curriculum
Pick based on your child’s age, your long-term education goals, and exam needs. For example, CBC may not suit homeschooling due to school-based assessments.
2. Set Your Learning Goals
- Do you want your child to sit KCSE or IGCSE?
- Are you focusing on academics, faith, or life skills?
3. Create a Timetable and Routine
Structure matters. Use a daily planner — e.g., 2 hours Math, 1 hour Science, breaks, practical time.
4. Get Learning Materials or Use Online Platforms
Purchase books (e.g., Moran, Longhorn) or subscribe to platforms like:
- MwalimuPlus – local KCSE-focused content
- Sunrise Virtual School– 8-4-4 and British international curriculum-based education content.
- Longhorn eLearning – primary and secondary content.
- eLimu or Khan Academy – for supplementary learning content.
5. Hire a Tutor (Optional)
Use platforms offering homeschooling teachers in Nairobi or across Kenya. Private tutors charge about Ksh 500–1,500 per hour.
If you’re a parent looking to hire help — or a teacher hoping to offer remote lessons — check out our guide on Online Tutoring in Kenya.
6. Register for National Exams as Private Candidate
- Visit KNEC portal or local education office
- Submit your child’s details and learning history
- Registration usually opens between Jan–March (for KCPE/KCSE)
After completing homeschooling and KCSE as a private candidate, you can still secure university placement — even if not placed by KUCCPS. Here’s what to do if not placed.
What’s the Cost of Home Schooling in Kenya?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Curriculum/books | Ksh 5,000 – 20,000 per year |
| Tutors (optional) | Ksh 500–1,500/hour |
| Online platforms | Ksh 1,000 – 5,000/month |
| Internet & devices | Ksh 2,000+/month |
Pro Tip: Combine physical textbooks with digital lessons (e.g., YouTube + MwalimuPlus) to save costs.
Top Online Platforms That Support Home Schooling in Kenya
These platforms blend well with online learning in Kenya and homeschooling:
- Sunrise Virtual School – Based on ACE and 8-4-4; offers complete homeschooling programs
- Longhorn eLearning – CBC-aligned resources
- MwalimuPlus – Quizzes, KCSE prep
- Elimuplus– Prepares learners for KCPE, KCSE, IGCSE & A-LEVELS
- eLimu – Interactive content and revision
- Edutab Africa – ICT tools for home learners
- Khan Academy – Free, global academic content
- Dawati eLearning – Offers KICD-approved CBC and 8-4-4 content with assessments. Great for Grades 1–12.
These are ideal for learners studying through online secondary schools in Kenya or informal homeschool Kenya setups.
Tip: Just enter in google search the CHOSEN platform name in bold and access all features, terms of operation, and how to enroll or use, and contacts.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lack of structure | Use pre-made timetables or hire tutors |
| No social interaction | Join homeschooling in Nairobi groups on Facebook, Telegram |
| Doubts about legality | Work with umbrella centers or consult an education lawyer |
| Access to materials | Buy local textbooks or use platforms like Longhorn and Sunrise |
FAQs About Home Schooling in Kenya
Is homeschooling approved by KNEC?
Not directly — but learners can register as private candidates for KCPE/KCSE.
Can I use CBC to homeschool my child?
Possible, but harder due to its emphasis on school-based assessments.
Can I homeschool my child without being a trained teacher?
Yes — many parents do. You can also hire part-time homeschooling teachers in Nairobi or use e-learning.
Final Thoughts: Is Home Schooling in Kenya Right for You?
Home schooling in Kenya offers unmatched flexibility, personalized learning, and freedom from crowded classrooms. But it requires planning, consistency, and sometimes outside help. Whether you’re avoiding CBC, living remotely, or seeking a faith-based education, this option could fit your family.
Ready to begin? Start by choosing your curriculum and setting learning goals. The rest will follow.
Related: Guide to Online Learning in Kenya
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