Lycée Français International Denis Diderot vs SABIS® International School – Runda
Lycée Français International Denis Diderot and SABIS® International School – Runda are both in Nairobi, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Lycée Français International Denis Diderot also offers French, and SABIS® International School – Runda also offers Bespoke, American, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are close, at KES 12,000 - 2,162,963 for Lycée Français International Denis Diderot and KES 70,000 - 2,158,000 for SABIS® International School – Runda. Lycée Français International Denis Diderot takes pupils from 2 to 18, and SABIS® International School – Runda from 4 to 18. Lycée Français International Denis Diderot is the larger school, with around 676 pupils to SABIS® International School – Runda's 210.
Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 111-00627, Two Rivers, Nairobi, Kenya. The school is part of the SABIS Network.
Stages
Stages
Ages 2 to 18
Stages
Kindergarten; Lower School (grades 2–4); Middle School; High School
School type
School type
Private international school; accredited by the French Ministry of Education; member of the AEFE network
School type
International school (SABIS Network)
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
30 nationalities represented; Kenyan is among them.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Learning support is provided through teacher‑led study groups, prefects and group leaders, peer tutoring, power study sessions, academic competitions, and on‑demand tutoring videos. Advisory classes are offered for Primary School (Grade 1–Grade 6) in the morning, with Grade 7 having weekly advisory sessions.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
France
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
School year covered
- Annual fee schedule and related charges shown below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.
Application & registration fees
- Application / dossier fee: KES 12,000 per child. - First-time registration fee: KES 120,000 per child (charged at time of acceptance; must be paid within 10 days). - Re‑registration advance: KES 80,000 (advance on annual tuition fees) — non‑refundable. - These enrollment payments are not refundable.
Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — French & Kenyan nationals (KES)
- Maternelle (annual): KES 700,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 280,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 210,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 210,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,154,449. Tranche 1: KES 461,780; Tranche 2: KES 346,335; Tranche 3: KES 346,335. - Collège (annual): KES 1,311,837. Tranche 1: KES 524,735; Tranche 2: KES 393,551; Tranche 3: KES 393,551. - Lycée (annual): KES 1,754,237. Tranche 1: KES 701,695; Tranche 2: KES 526,271; Tranche 3: KES 526,271. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES).
Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — Other nationalities (KES)
- Maternelle (annual): KES 800,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 320,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 240,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 240,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,423,361. Tranche 1: KES 569,344; Tranche 2: KES 427,008; Tranche 3: KES 427,008. - Collège (annual): KES 1,614,764. Tranche 1: KES 645,906; Tranche 2: KES 484,429; Tranche 3: KES 484,429. - Lycée (annual): KES 2,162,963. Tranche 1: KES 865,185; Tranche 2: KES 648,889; Tranche 3: KES 648,889. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Two main payment rhythms: - Annual single payment: pay the full annual tuition before 30 September to receive a 5% discount. - Three‑installment (trimestrial) payment: tuition payable in three fractions (tranches). - Standard tranche due dates (when paying by trimester): Trimestre 1 due 15 September; Trimestre 2 due 15 January; Trimestre 3 due 15 April. - Late payment penalty: 5% per month applied to overdue amounts; penalties are cumulative. - Sibling reduction: 20% discount on tuition applicable from the third child of the same family (and for each subsequent child). - For students joining or leaving mid‑year, tuition is invoiced pro rata (the month of arrival or departure is billed in full unless exceptional weekly prorating is approved). - Invoices are issued through the school billing platform EDUKA; invoices must be paid according to the calendar above. Proof of payment should be sent to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when required.
Boarding fees
- No boarding charges are listed in the school's fee schedule; the Lycée does not publish a boarding programme or boarding fees in the 2025–2026 fee documentation.
Canteen (school lunch) — annual fees (KES)
- Maternelle: 5 days/week KES 84,000; 4 days/week KES 67,200; 3 days/week KES 50,400. - Élémentaire: 5 days/week KES 101,500; 4 days/week KES 81,200; 3 days/week KES 60,900. - Secondaire: 5 days/week KES 119,000; 4 days/week KES 95,200; 3 days/week KES 71,400. - Canteen tariffs are indicative (based on a 35‑week year) and may vary with calendar days.
Exam, option and ancillary fees (charges and timing)
- Exam fees (billed in Trimester 3): DNB (Brevet): KES 9,400; Baccalauréat Première: KES 18,000; Baccalauréat Terminale: KES 51,370. - Cambridge language exam (mandatory for CM2 and 2nde): KES 17,550 to KES 27,000 (billed in Trimester 3). - Section Internationale Britannique (SIB) option (collège & lycée): KES 52,000 (billed in Trimester 1). - Model United Nations (MUN) option: KES 23,300 (billed in Trimester 1). - Extra‑curricular activities: average KES 25,000 per activity (charged when applicable). - Daycare / garderie: if registered, fixed package KES 3,500 per month; if not registered, KES 400 per day. - Textbooks, basic stationery supplies, one sports kit and a medicalized transport insurance are included in the tuition.
Refunds and non‑refundables
- Dossier (application) fees and first‑time registration payments are non‑refundable. - The re‑registration advance (KES 80,000) is explicitly stated as an advance on annual tuition and non‑refundable. - General rule in the financial regulations: enrollment‑related payments that validate registration are not refundable.
Fee payment options and practical payment details
- Accepted payment methods: - Bank transfer in EUR, KES or USD (school lists accounts for transfers). - Cheque payable to “Lycée Français Denis Diderot.” - M‑Pesa Paybill: Paybill number 453553 (the payment reference must be the invoice number). - Cash payments are no longer accepted. - Invoices issued in the EDUKA platform include amounts in Euro, KES and USD; the exchange rate applied is the chancery exchange rate on the date of invoicing. - In specific cases the school may agree a payment plan; approved plans are formalized and may require a direct debit or monthly instalments (for example nine monthly instalments from September to May if a plan is agreed). - For payment identification, use the student identity or family code shown in EDUKA and send proof of payment to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when requested. - Failure to pay according to the calendar may result in penalties, suspension from activities, withholding of transfer documents or withholding of end‑of‑year certificates/diplomas until accounts are settled.
Notes on discounts and penalties
- 5% reduction on tuition if full annual payment is received in the school's bank account by 30 September. - 20% sibling reduction applied from the third child of the same family (on tuition). - Late payments incur a 5% monthly penalty, cumulative.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term installments) - KG1 — Annual: KES 903,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 301,000; Term 2 KES 301,000; Term 3 KES 301,000. - KG2 — Annual: KES 903,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 301,000; Term 2 KES 301,000; Term 3 KES 301,000. - Grade 1 — Annual: KES 1,229,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 410,000; Term 2 KES 410,000; Term 3 KES 409,000. - Grade 2 — Annual: KES 1,229,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 410,000; Term 2 KES 410,000; Term 3 KES 409,000. - Grade 3 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 4 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 5 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 6 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 7 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 8 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 9 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 10 — Annual: KES 1,953,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 651,000; Term 2 KES 651,000; Term 3 KES 651,000. - Grade 11 — Annual: KES 1,953,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 651,000; Term 2 KES 651,000; Term 3 KES 651,000. - Grade 12 — Annual: KES 2,158,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 720,000; Term 2 KES 720,000; Term 3 KES 718,000.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Installment timing: 1st installment due upon registration; 2nd installment due two weeks before the start of Term 2; 3rd installment due two weeks before the start of Term 3. Fees are collected in Kenyan Shillings. School fees include tuition, books, and a morning snack.
Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding fee (listed in the fee schedule): KES 790,500. The boarding charge as shown includes meals, accommodation, and Friday transport.
Other costs and optional fees - Transport (termly rates shown on the bus registration form): - Runda/Thindigua/Evergreen/Four Ways/Ridgeways areas — One-way termly KES 34,100; Round-trip termly KES 48,000 (approx. 1–5 km routes). - Westlands/Parklands/Garden Estate/Muthaiga/Rosslyn areas — One-way termly KES 47,200; Round-trip termly KES 67,300 (approx. 6–14 km routes). - The Hub Karen/Mombasa Road/Loresho/Lavington areas — One-way termly KES 67,300; Round-trip termly KES 96,000 (approx. 15+ km routes). - Hot lunch / meal subscription (registration present on the fee pack): Lunch-only option (term rate listed): KES 32,300 (subscription fees are non-refundable). - Uniform pricing (examples; prices include VAT): All Polo (short sleeve) KES 1,540; All Jacket KES 2,820; Summer PE T‑shirt KES 1,400; Trousers KES 2,950; Girls Dress KES 2,680; Hoodie KES 3,590. Final uniform cost depends on items and sizes selected. - Other incidental or subscription charges (for example, extracurricular activities or event-specific charges) may apply; specific subscription items (meals/transport) are noted as non-refundable where indicated.
Sibling discounts - First sibling: full school fees. Second sibling: 5% discount on school fees only. Third sibling: 10% discount on school fees only. Fourth sibling and above: 20% discount on school fees only.
Refund information - The one-time registration fee is non-refundable. Meal/ subscription fees are marked non-refundable. Other subscription fees (for example, cafeteria subscriptions) are explicitly non-refundable where stated.
Fee payment options - Bank transfer / direct payment to the school account (Sidian Bank — account name: SABIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RUNDA; account number: 01053050000260; branch: Two Rivers / Head Office details provided in payment instructions). Payment details for school-related subscriptions and event payments use this bank account. - M‑Pesa Paybill instructions are provided for some payments (Paybill number 111999 with the account number field used for the school account reference). - Other accepted payment channels have included cheque and direct bank payments for event and subscription payments (payment channel options such as cheque or M‑Pesa are shown in the school payment instructions).
Notes - The figures above are the fee schedule reported for the academic year shown in the school fee pack. Where optional services (transport, boarding, meals, uniform) are selected, those charges are additional to the annual tuition amounts listed.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Lyce9e Frane7ais Denis Diderot offers the full French curriculum from Kindergarten to Lycee in Nairobi. It provides a bilingual French-English education, with Kindergarten taught by a French-speaking teacher, supported by assistants and an English teacher from the first year. The Primary program runs five years, developing core knowledge, with eight hours of foreign languages per week, including two hours of Swahili. Middle School spans four years with core disciplines and languages; a new foreign language is introduced in the second year. High School lasts three years; in the second year students choose majors and sit the French baccalaureate exam to prepare for higher studies. Parcours PARLE promotes multilingualism, and a British International Section is available on a trial basis, leading to the French international baccalaureate.
Curriculum details
The SABIS Educational System is a skillfully researched curriculum based on international standards that is implemented through the SABIS learning cycle, classroom technology, and continual student assessment, with progress monitored via the SABIS Digital Platform. The foundation for student success expands in breadth and depth as students progress from Kindergarten to graduation. Starting in Kindergarten and continuing through graduation, the curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and enables students to develop fluency in English, French, and Kiswahili. There is strong emphasis on English and mathematics, and on the sciences in secondary school where students prepare for external exams such as the British-based IGCSEs and the U.S.-based Advanced Placement (AP) program. Social studies, music, fine arts, physical education, psychology, business and economics, computer studies, and non-traditional subjects (robotics, 3D printing, web development) are integrated into the curriculum. A strong student-led component is embedded in the school day, and the SABIS Student Life Organization promotes participation in activities to develop leadership and life skills. The learning process includes frequent assessment and a 360° view of progress accessible to students, teachers, and parents via the SABIS Digital Platform.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The SABIS Runda program prepares students to sit external exams such as IGCSEs, SAT, TOEFL, ACT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams by Grade 12, with an A-level pathway available in Grade 13. In Grades 10–11, students have the option to sit for IGCSE exams. The High School Diploma is accredited by Accreditation International (AI) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), which means the diploma is recognized by colleges and universities in the U.S. and worldwide. SABIS graduates are accepted to universities around the world; a 2025 university acceptance list includes Curtin University, University of Sydney, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Arizona State University, Auburn University, Drexel University, Iowa State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, The Citadel, University of Arizona, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Pittsburgh, INTO Manchester, and African Leadership Academy.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Studies after the French Baccalaureate can be pursued in many countries. France remains a privileged option for higher education, with opportunities in preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles and admission to top universities (INSA Lyon, Louis-le-Grand, Montaigne, etc.). Graduates have enrolled in Canada (HEC Montre9al) and the United States (HULT International Business School), as well as programs in Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Egypt and Malaysia. Orientation support for continuing with the STUDENT PLAN, including the Future course and resources from ONISEP, CIDJ, AEFE and PARCOUREO, plus the PRIO platform, helps families explore post-baccalaureate options.
Higher education progression
University counselling at SABIS Runda prepares students to meet admissions requirements of the world's most competitive universities in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, the Middle and Far East, and Australia, with Africa to be added. With the support of a dedicated and highly skilled team, students have access to universities of their choice and ability. Graduates have gained acceptances to universities across multiple continents, as evidenced by the 2025 University Acceptances list (including institutions such as Curtin University, University of Sydney, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Arizona State University, Auburn University, Drexel University, Iowa State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, The Citadel, University of Arizona, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Pittsburgh, INTO Manchester, and African Leadership Academy).
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. New students are welcomed at the beginning of the school year (September) and throughout the year. Registrations for the 2025-2026 year are now open. The registration process is initiated online via the Online Registration link in the Registration section. The online registration is accessible to families as part of the admission process.
Step 2. Step to registration. Online registration is the primary route to apply. The process is accessed by clicking the Online Registration link. Families are directed to follow the online steps to complete the application. The 2025-2026 registration cycle is specified on the page.
Step 3. Important information. Tuition is paid by families and the financial terms are described in the Financial Regulations. Canteen: school meals are compulsory for primary pupils on three long days (Monday-Tuesday-Thursday). Immigration: it is the parents' responsibility to be in good standing with Kenyan immigration authorities; a certificate of enrolment and a school letter may be provided to complete the student pass application. Communication: information relating to school life is distributed electronically to the email address provided by the parents. School Insurance: the school insures its pupils for school insurance and medical transport.
Step 4. Admission procedures. Admission procedures are differentiated by the pupil's prior schooling background. Case 1 applies to pupils enrolled in a public or AEFE network school in France or a French school abroad during the previous school year or the current school year. These pupils are admitted to the class indicated by the orientation decision or the dialogue form, for entry into 2nde, 1ère and Terminale, with priority given subject to availability of places. Case 2 applies to pupils who attended a school not approved by the French Ministry of Education during the previous or current school year, or who have had an interruption of 3 months or more in the AEFE network; a placement test will be carried out to determine the appropriate level.
Admissions
1. To initiate the admission process, submit the following documents to the registrar: Application for Admission Form; Student Medical Form and Vaccination Report; Copy of Birth Certificate and Passport; Copy of School Reports from the Previous School Year. After submission, placement testing for the grade level is organized. A final admission decision cannot be made without these documents. 2. If acceptance is granted, the parents complete additional forms: SABIS Digital Platform (SDP) Form; Guarantee Form; Pick-Up/Drop-Off Authorization Form; Uniform Selection Form; Transport Request Form (if required); Meals Request Form (if required). A Clearance Letter from the previous school is required if applicable. Nationality matters: non-Kenyan nationals receive assistance with the documentation required to apply for an annually renewable Pupil's Pass under Kenyan Immigration Law; Dependent's Passes are no longer exempt unless at least one parent has diplomatic status. 3. Admission decisions are made after careful evaluation of candidates, including the results of diagnostic testing and previous school records. Additional criteria include motivation, social and emotional development, willingness to work hard, and the ability of SABIS® Runda to accommodate the candidate's needs. 4. Families are encouraged to visit SABIS® Runda for a school tour and to talk with admission staff. Appointments can be made by contacting the school administration. 5. There is no application deadline, but admission decisions are based on spaces available throughout the school year. Applications are accepted, but offers are granted based on space available. There is no joining fee on the first occasion of going through the admission process. 6. Once accepted and the required fees are paid, a place for the student is reserved. This reserves the seat for the upcoming term and completes enrollment steps.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Lycée is a non-profit school, subsidized by the French state, which allows tuition fees to be 30% to 27% lower than other international schools in Nairobi. AEFE scholarships: French families can apply for a grant from AEFE. This tuition assistance is reserved for children of French nationality residing with their families in Kenya, and under certain means conditions, the scholarship may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Applications and renewal files can be collected from the French Embassy. Two committees meet during the year: in May, for the regular committee ruling on applications for the upcoming school year; and in October/November, for the remedial commission concerning new students enrolled in the Lycée for the current year. The opening dates of the scholarship campaign and submission of files are published on this site. A brochure AEFE is available for more information.
