Braeburn Kisumu International School is part of the renowned Braeburn Group, which operates 19 co-educational international schools across 11 campuses in Kenya and Tanzania, serving over 5,000 students. BKIS follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, delivering a robust academic program from Pre-Crèche to Year 11, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The school is celebrated for its commitment to diversity, personalized education, and a supportive community, making it a top choice for expatriates and local families in Kisumu.
Why Choose Braeburn Kisumu International School?
- British Curriculum Kenya: BKIS offers a globally recognized British curriculum, adapted to incorporate Kenyan cultural elements, ensuring relevance for its diverse student body.
- Small Class Sizes: With an average class size of eight and a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:5, students receive individualized attention.
- Holistic Education: The school emphasizes academics, sports, and co-curricular activities, fostering well-rounded development.
- Expat-Friendly Environment: BKIS caters to expatriate families with a welcoming community and events like family picnics and cultural celebrations.
Fees Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
Understanding the cost of education is crucial for parents considering international schools in Kenya. The fees at Braeburn Kisumu International School are structured to be inclusive of tuition, approved textbooks, and exercise books, with additional costs for transport and activities outlined separately. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, sourced from official Braeburn documentation.
Tuition Fees and Deposits
The tuition fees vary by year group, with deposits charged once upon enrollment. These deposits are refundable at the end of a student’s final term, provided all accounts are settled and school property is returned.
| Year Group | Annual Tuition Fee (KSh) | Deposit (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Crèche & Crèche | 419,700 | 15,000 |
| FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception) | 541,200 | 15,000 |
| Year 1 to 6 | 1,071,000 | 15,000 |
| Year 7 to 10 | 1,108,800 | 15,000 |
| Year 11 (Two Billings) | 1,108,800 | 15,000 |
- Billing Schedule: Fees for Years 11, 12, and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December), while all other years are billed in three tranches (August, December, and April).
- Deposits: The KSh 15,000 deposit is a one-time fee, topped up if deductions are made for losses or breakages. It is refundable upon clearance by the headteacher at the end of the student’s tenure.
Transport Fees
BKIS offers transport services across three zones, with fees varying based on distance:
| Year Group | Transport Type | Annual Transport Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| All Years | Zone 1 | 75,000 |
| All Years | Zone 2 | 117,900 |
| All Years | Zone 3 | 150,000 |
- Family Discounts on Transport: A 50% discount is applied to the second and subsequent siblings using the same transport route.
Additional Fees and Discounts
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable KSh 5,000 registration fee is required to process applications. In cases of limited vacancies, a 20% advance payment of the first term’s tuition fee is required, which is non-refundable if the place is not taken up.
- Early Payment Discount: A 3% discount on tuition fees is offered if full payment is made within six days of the due date.
- Family Discounts on Tuition:
- 2nd Child: 10%
- 3rd Child: 20%
- 4th Child: 30%
- 5th and Subsequent Child: 40%
- Late Payment Surcharge: A 1.25% monthly surcharge is applied for late fee payments.
- Activity Fees: Charged separately, these fees cover extracurricular activities and are accompanied by an official letter from the headteacher.
- Withdrawal Policy: A full term’s notice in writing, acknowledged by the headteacher, is required for withdrawals; otherwise, a full term’s fees are payable.
Note: The Braeburn Board of Directors reserves the right to alter fees with five months’ notice. Parents are encouraged to confirm fees directly with the school’s admissions office.
Curriculum at Braeburn Kisumu International School
BKIS follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, tailored to reflect Kenya’s cultural context, making it a standout among international schools in Kenya. The curriculum is structured across several key stages:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): For Pre-Crèche (18 months–2 years), Crèche (2–3 years), FS1 (Nursery, 3–4 years), and FS2 (Reception, 4–5 years), learning is play-based, integrating all developmental areas.
- Key Stages 1 and 2 (Ages 5–11): Covers Years 1 to 6, focusing on core subjects like Maths, English, Science, ICT, French, History, Geography, Art, PE, and Swimming.
- Key Stage 3 (Ages 11–13): For Years 7 to 9, offering a broad academic program preparing students for IGCSEs.
- Key Stage 4 (Ages 14–16): Years 10 and 11 lead to Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with students selecting subjects based on interests and career aspirations.
The curriculum’s flexibility allows BKIS to cater to a diverse student body, including expatriates and local elites, ensuring alignment with global educational standards while celebrating Kenyan heritage.
Admissions Process
The admissions process at BKIS is straightforward, aligning with the Braeburn Group’s policies, designed to accommodate both local and expatriate families seeking international schools in Kenya.
- Application Requirements:
- Completed registration form with a KSh 5,000 non-refundable fee.
- Copies of the student’s passport or birth certificate.
- Previous two school reports and a leaving certificate from the prior school.
- Age Placement: Students are placed in year groups based on age, with entry typically at the start of the term following their second birthday for Crèche. Exceptions for lower year group placement are made only with substantial evidence, such as assessments by an educational psychologist.
- Waiting List: If vacancies are limited, students are placed on a waiting list, with priority given upon payment of the 20% advance tuition fee.
- School Tours: BKIS recommends prospective parents visit for a tour or an informal chat with the headteacher to understand the school’s ethos and facilities.
For inquiries, contact the admissions office at P.O. Box 1276, 40100 Kisumu, Kenya, or via email at enquiries.kisumu@braeburn.ac.ke.
Extracurricular Activities
BKIS is renowned for its vibrant co-curricular program, a hallmark of international schools in Kenya, fostering creativity, leadership, and physical development.
- Sports: Includes swimming, tennis, badminton, and taekwondo, with teams competing in events like the World Schools Games International School World Cup in Barcelona.
- Clubs and Societies: Model United Nations, Scouts, President’s Award, Amnesty International, and board games.
- Music and Arts: Private music lessons lead to ABRSM examinations, with BKIS serving as an examination center. Students participate in whole-school productions, such as Christmas concerts and end-of-year shows.
- Cultural Celebrations: Events like World Maths Day, World Literacy Day, Diwali, and Thanksgiving promote global awareness.
- Community Engagement: The Rafiki of Braeburn Kisumu School (ROBS) parent-teacher group organizes family picnics, murder mystery evenings, and Valentine’s Day dinner dances.
These activities ensure students develop a lifelong passion for learning and extracurricular pursuits, enhancing their experience at BKIS.
Expat Guide to Braeburn Kisumu International School
Kisumu, a vibrant city on Lake Victoria, is a growing hub for expatriates in Kenya, offering a quieter alternative to Nairobi and Mombasa. BKIS is a focal point for expat families, providing a supportive community and high-quality education.
- Why Kisumu?: Unlike Nairobi’s bustling traffic or Mombasa’s coastal humidity, Kisumu offers a serene environment with access to cultural and natural attractions like Lake Victoria and the Impala Sanctuary.
- Expat Community: BKIS’s diverse student body, drawn from over 80 nationalities across the Braeburn Group, creates a welcoming environment for expatriates.
- Practical Considerations:
- Transport: School buses serve multiple zones, reducing the need for personal vehicles.
- Cost of Living: Kisumu is generally more affordable than Nairobi, though international school fees remain significant.
- Housing: Expat-friendly neighborhoods like Milimani offer proximity to BKIS and modern amenities.
- Support for Transition: The school’s active parent-teacher group and regular events help expatriate families integrate into the Kisumu community.
For expats relocating to Kenya, BKIS offers a seamless transition with its British curriculum, recognized globally, and a focus on individualized student support.
Comparison with Other International Schools in Kenya
While BKIS is a top choice in Kisumu, parents may also consider other international schools in Nairobi and Mombasa:
- Nairobi IB Schools: Braeburn Garden Estate School in Nairobi offers the IB Diploma alongside A-Levels, catering to students seeking a broader international qualification.
- Mombasa International Schools: Braeburn Mombasa International School provides a similar British curriculum, with fees starting at KSh 358,200 for a 2-year-old, slightly lower than BKIS due to regional cost differences.
- Nairobi Alternatives: Schools like the International School of Kenya (ISK) and Aga Khan Academy offer IB programs, with ISK fees reaching KSh 2,900,000 annually for Year 12, significantly higher than BKIS.
BKIS stands out for its smaller community, lower teacher-to-pupil ratio, and affordability compared to Nairobi-based schools, making it ideal for families in western Kenya.
Braeburn Kisumu International School offers a compelling blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community engagement, making it a top choice among international schools in Kenya. Its transparent fees structure, inclusive of textbooks and offering family discounts, ensures accessibility for both local and expatriate families. With a robust British curriculum, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a supportive environment in Kisumu, BKIS prepares students for global success. For parents seeking quality education in a nurturing setting, BKIS is a standout option. Contact the admissions office or visit the school to explore how BKIS can meet your child’s educational needs.
