Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year course for students aged about 16 to 19, recognised by universities worldwide. In Kenya it is offered by a small group of private schools, most of them in and around Nairobi. This guide explains what the Diploma involves, where it is offered in Kenya, and what families should know about university entry and cost.
On this page
What the Diploma involves
Students take six subjects: three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, chosen from groups covering studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. Alongside these is the core:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course on how we know what we claim to know, assessed through an essay and an exhibition.
- The Extended Essay, an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), a programme of experiences outside the classroom.
Each subject is graded 1 to 7, and TOK and the Extended Essay together contribute up to 3 points, giving a maximum of 45. The IB also offers a Career-related Programme for the same age group, plus the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes for younger students.
The IB in Kenya
According to the IB’s country page, there has been an IB World School in Kenya since 1982, and there are currently 17 IB World Schools in the country, with the Diploma Programme offered by 15. Examples confirmed in the IB’s official school directory include:
- International School of Kenya, Nairobi: authorised 1 March 1982, a co-educational day school sitting May examinations.
- Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi: an IB World School since 12 November 1999, offering the full continuum of PYP, MYP and DP, according to the Academy.
- Still I Rise International School Nairobi, in Kasarani: an IB World School since April 2024, with its Diploma Programme authorised in August 2026.
Media guides also list schools such as Braeburn Garden Estate, Brookhurst International School in Kiserian, St Mary’s School in Nairobi, The Nairobi Academy, Naisula School and the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika as offering IB programmes. Before relying on any list, check the school in the IB’s “Find an IB World School” directory, which shows which programmes it is authorised to teach.
University entry from the IB
For study in Kenya, IB students apply directly to universities, since KUCCPS places students on KCSE results only. The University of Nairobi lists the International Baccalaureate among international qualifications it treats as equivalent to KCSE for degree entry. Check each university’s current rules, and read how Kenyan universities treat international qualifications.
IB or A Levels?
The Diploma suits students who enjoy many subjects and can manage steady coursework and writing. A Levels suit students who want to specialise early. Our comparison, Cambridge vs IB in Kenya, sets out the differences.
Cost
IB schools in Kenya are private, and fees for the Diploma years are among the highest in the country. Exam registration fees are usually added on top. Ask each school for its published fee structure and whether IB assessment fees are included, and compare published fees in our fees directory and international school fees in Nairobi 2026.
Questions to ask an IB school
- Which IB programmes are you authorised for, and since when?
- Which Higher Level subjects run each year?
- What were your average Diploma points in recent sessions, and how many students sat?
- Do you offer the Career-related Programme?
Sources
- International Baccalaureate, “The IB by country: Kenya” and directory entries 000213, 001169 and 062224 (ibo.org)
- Tuko.co.ke, “IB schools in Kenya” (2026)
- KUCCPS FAQs; University of Nairobi, Procedure for Equation of Foreign Qualifications
CBC Guides is independent and not affiliated with the IB or any school listed.