Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
For the last two years of secondary school, Kenyan families in the international sector usually choose between Cambridge International AS and A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Both are respected by universities in Kenya and abroad. The real differences are in breadth, workload and how students are assessed. This guide compares them for parents in Kenya.
On this page
Structure
Cambridge A Levels are taken subject by subject. A typical student takes three or four subjects, often sitting AS Level at the end of the first year and the full A Level at the end of the second. Students can specialise heavily, for example Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry for an engineering route.
The IB Diploma is a single two-year programme. Students take six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, across groups that include a language, a second language, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. On top of the subjects is a compulsory core: Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The Diploma is scored out of 45.
Side by side
| Cambridge AS/A Level | IB Diploma | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Usually 3–4, chosen freely | 6 across set groups, plus the core |
| Breadth | Narrow and deep | Broad, with depth at Higher Level |
| Assessment | Mainly final exams | Exams plus internal assessments, essay and TOK |
| Exam sessions in Kenya | May/June and Oct/Nov (via schools or the British Council) | May or November, depending on the school |
| Grades | A* to E per subject | 1–7 per subject, up to 3 core points, 45 total |
Where they are offered in Kenya
According to the IB’s own country page, Kenya has had an IB World School since 1982 and currently has 17 IB World Schools, with the Diploma Programme offered by 15 of them. The International School of Kenya was authorised in March 1982 and the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi in November 1999, according to the IB school directory. Cambridge A Levels are offered by many British-curriculum schools; Cambridge’s “Find a Cambridge school” tool lists registered centres in Kenya. See our guide to the IB Diploma in Kenya for more schools.
Which suits which student?
- A Levels fit students who already know their direction and want to go deep in a few subjects, and those who perform well in final exams.
- The IB Diploma fits students who like many subjects, write well and can manage a steady load of coursework and deadlines over two years.
University recognition in Kenya
Both lead to university, but not through KUCCPS, which places students on KCSE results only. Students apply directly to universities. The University of Nairobi lists the International Baccalaureate, IGCSE and GCE among international qualifications it treats as equivalent for degree admission, and other universities have similar rules. See how Kenyan universities treat IGCSE and A Levels.
Cost
Fees for the final two years at international schools are high and vary widely; compare published fee structures on our fees directory and in international school fees in Nairobi 2026. Exam entry fees are extra.
Sources
- International Baccalaureate, “The IB by country: Kenya” and school directory entries for International School of Kenya (000213) and Aga Khan Academy Nairobi (001169), ibo.org
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Cambridge International AS & A Level
- KUCCPS FAQs; University of Nairobi, Procedure for Equation of Foreign Qualifications
CBC Guides is an independent site, not affiliated with Cambridge, the IB, KNEC or KICD.