Riara International School vs SABIS® International School – Runda

	R Riara International School Nairobi, Kenya	S SABIS® International School – Runda Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 2,100 - 869,800	Fees / year KES 70,000 - 2,158,000
Age range	Age range 4 - 16 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 210
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 32
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 2018
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Riara International School is located along Riara Road in the Riara Gardens area of Nairobi, Kenya. The school operates a transport service with routes centered on Riara Road and surrounding neighbourhoods. Transport routes are organized into a Special Zone and Zones 1 through 7, covering areas such as Riara Road, Riara Heights Flats, Junction, Impala Courts, Apple Walk, and Riara Woods Apartments, among others. These routes reflect the Riara Road corridor in Nairobi.	Location 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 Preparatory School includes EYFS 1 to Year 6, with EYFS 2 (Reception) as part of early years, followed by Year 1 to Year 6. High School covers Year 7 to Year 11.	Stages Kindergarten; Lower School (grades 2–4); Middle School; High School
School type	School type The school is part of the Riara Group of Schools.	School type International school (SABIS Network)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 30 nationalities represented; Kenyan is among them.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 Kenya	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Transport services are available with multiple routes (Special Zone and Zones 1–7). To subscribe, complete the Transport Request Form available from the school office. Transport routes and per‑term fees are published for each zone, and payments can be made via MPesa Pay Bill 805700 or to the Riara Group of Schools Limited bank accounts.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Entry Charges - Application fee (one-off): KES 2,100. - Registration fee (one-off): KES 5,000. - Reservation fee (payable on confirmation of admission; non-refundable but credited toward school fees): KES 30,000 per student. - Caution deposit (one-off, refundable subject to school conditions): KES 15,000. Refundable on completion of final year or on withdrawal after full settlement and one-term written notice; insufficient notice can lead to forfeiture. Term tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) - Preparatory school - EYFS 1: KES 110,000 per term — Annual total KES 330,000. - EYFS 2 (Reception): KES 115,500 per term — Annual total KES 346,500. - Year 1: KES 173,300 per term — Annual total KES 519,900. - Year 2 – Year 3: KES 199,500 per term — Annual total KES 598,500. - Year 4 – Year 5: KES 219,500 per term — Annual total KES 658,500. - Year 6: KES 239,400 per term — Annual total KES 718,200. - High school - Year 7: KES 263,600 per term — Annual total KES 790,800. - Year 8 – Year 9: KES 274,100 per term — Annual total KES 822,300. - Year 10: KES 285,600 per term — Annual total KES 856,800. - Year 11: KES 428,400 per term; Year 11 fees are payable in two instalments (1st instalment at the start of Term 1 and 2nd instalment at the start of Term 2) — Annual total shown as KES 856,800. - What term tuition covers: tuition, lunch and exercise books. External examination fees and optional activities are excluded. Other recurring and one-off school charges - Student accident insurance (annual): KES 2,000. - Sports T-shirt, round-neck T-shirt, polo shirt and tracksuit (uniform sports set): KES 9,000. - ‘Out of the Blocks' (Prep School program): KES 2,000. - Workbooks (one-off, by year grouping): Year 1 & 2 KES 9,300; Year 3 & 4 KES 11,500; Year 5 & 6 KES 10,300; Years 7–9 KES 5,000. - Examination fees: External examination fees apply for Years 6, 9 and 11; these are payable at the beginning of Term 2. Transport (school bus) charges (per term by zone) - Transport is charged per term and routes are zoned. Examples of per-term two-way charges by zone: Special Zone KES 14,900; Zone 1 KES 31,700; Zone 2 KES 36,600; Zone 3 KES 39,900; Zone 4 KES 41,400; Zone 5 KES 48,300; Zone 6 KES 50,700; Zone 7 KES 56,400. One-way and specific-route amounts vary by zone. To subscribe to transport, a Transport Request Form must be completed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing cadence: Fees are termly. Term fees should be paid in full on or before the first day of each term. Year 11 has a two-instalment arrangement as noted above. - Late payment penalty: An interest charge of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of term. - Cashless policy: Cash payments are not accepted at the school office; payments must be made via approved banking channels or the school's mobile-pay option. Payment confirmation requires submission of the bank pay-in slip and a receipt will be emailed on confirmation. Refunds and related conditions - Caution deposit refund: The caution deposit is refundable on completion of the final year or on withdrawal subject to full settlement of outstanding fees and recovery of any lost/damaged school property, and provided one term's written notice of withdrawal is submitted. Insufficient notice may lead to forfeiture of the caution deposit. - General refund policy: Fees once paid are stated as non-refundable; exceptions are limited to the refundable caution deposit as described and any explicitly stated refundable items. Accepted payment channels and banking details (summary of options) - Bank transfer to the Riara Group of Schools' accounts with major Kenyan banks (examples include Kenya Commercial Bank, ABSA Bank Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, NCBA Bank Kenya). Specific account numbers are available from the school's finance office. - Mobile payment: MPESA Paybill — Paybill No. 805700; use the student's admission number as the account number when paying. - Payment confirmation: Submit the bank pay-in slip via the school's designated email for fees to receive an emailed receipt. Optional and miscellaneous costs - Optional activities (charged separately): instrument lessons, sports and activity clubs, horse riding, go-karting, skating and similar extracurriculars incur additional fees when selected. Termly educational trips within Nairobi County may be charged separately.	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - One-time, non-refundable registration fee: KES 70,000. 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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details British National Curriculum (BNC) is the framework used by Riara International School's international programme; the curriculum emphasises the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for self-fulfilment and development as active, responsible citizens.	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	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 —	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 —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an application and pay a one-off application fee of 2,100 KSH. Payments may be made via MPESA Pay Bill 805700 using the student's admission number as the account reference, or by bank transfer to the accounts listed in the fee structure. 2. Upon admission confirmation, pay a reservation fee of 30,000 KSH per student, credited toward school fees. A 5,000 KSH registration and a 15,000 KSH caution are also due. The caution is refundable on completion; withdrawal requires a one-term written notice and refunds may be adjusted for lost property or outstanding fees. 3. Term fees are due on or before the first day of the term. The term fee covers tuition, lunch, and exercise books and excludes external examination fees and trips. External examination fees for Years 6, 9, and 11 are payable at the start of Term 2; Year 11 fees are payable in two installments at the starts of Terms 1 and 2. Workbooks costs vary by year and are payable via Riara Group of Schools Limited. 4. Payments should be via approved banking channels or MPESA; cash is not accepted. A late payment penalty of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of the term; fees paid are non-refundable. Transport is available; a Transport Request Form is required, and rates are zone-based with different One-Way and Two-Way charges. Riara reserves the right to review and adjust fees as necessary.	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 —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →