Full List of National Schools in Kenya
National schools are among the recognised public secondary school institutions in Kenya. They have traditionally admitted learners from different parts of the country and provide opportunities for students to access secondary education beyond their home counties.
These schools have played an important role in Kenya’s education system. Many have a long history of academic achievement, leadership development, sports, science education and extracurricular activities.
The classification of secondary schools has changed following the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). From January 2026, learners completing Grade 9 transition to senior school, where they study under three main pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science.
The previous national, extra-county, county and sub-county classifications have also undergone changes. The new system uses clusters, including C1, C2, C3 and C4. C1 broadly represents the former national school category, although the updated school classifications have introduced some differences.
This article provides a list of 136 schools classified as National Schools in an updated 2026 education listing. It includes their school codes, gender classification and cluster categories.
Understanding National School Categories in Kenya
The updated listing groups national schools into five main classifications. These include C1, C2, C3, C4 and special needs schools.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| C1 | Schools in the highest senior school cluster, broadly corresponding to former national schools |
| C2 | Schools in the second senior school cluster |
| C3 | Schools in the third senior school cluster |
| C4 | Schools in the fourth senior school cluster |
| CS | Special needs schools and institutions serving learners with disabilities |
It is important to understand that a school’s national designation and its cluster classification are not necessarily interchangeable. Parents should use the latest Ministry of Education placement information when selecting schools.
Full List of National Schools in Kenya
The following list presents the schools according to their cluster classifications. School codes are included to help parents, guardians and learners identify the institutions.
1. C1 National Schools in Kenya
C1 schools represent the highest cluster in the senior school classification. They include several historically recognised national schools from different parts of Kenya.
| No. | School Name | School Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenyatta High School Mwatate | 01100003 | Boys |
| 2 | Bura Girls High School | 01100004 | Girls |
| 3 | Mama Ngina Girls High School | 03100001 | Girls |
| 4 | Ribe Boys High School | 04100002 | Boys |
| 5 | Kagumo High School | 08200007 | Boys |
| 6 | Murang’a High School | 10200008 | Boys |
| 7 | Machakos Boys High School | 12300001 | Boys |
| 8 | Muthale Girls High School | 13300005 | Girls |
| 9 | Moi High School Mbiruri | 14300006 | Boys |
| 10 | Meru School | 15300002 | Boys |
| 11 | Makueni Boys High School | 18300003 | Boys |
| 12 | Chogoria Girls High School | 19300004 | Girls |
| 13 | Pangani Girls High School | 20400006 | Girls |
| 14 | St. Brigid’s Kiminini | 23500003 | Girls |
| 15 | St. Theresa’s Tartar Girls Secondary School | 24500004 | Girls |
| 16 | Kipsigis Girls High School | 28500005 | Girls |
| 17 | Kapsabet Boys High School | 29500006 | Boys |
| 18 | Moi Girls Isinya | 31500011 | Girls |
| 19 | St. Patrick’s High School Iten | 34500010 | Boys |
| 20 | Lugulu Girls High School | 36600002 | Girls |
| 21 | Friends School Kamusinga | 36600004 | Boys |
| 22 | Kakamega School | 37600001 | Boys |
| 23 | Bunyore Girls High School | 38600003 | Girls |
| 24 | Kisii High School | 40700002 | Boys |
| 25 | Nyabururu Girls High School | 40700003 | Girls |
| 26 | Asumbi Girls High School | 41700004 | Girls |
| 27 | Maranda High School | 42700005 | Boys |
| 28 | Kanga High School | 44700006 | Boys |
| 29 | Garissa High School | 45800001 | Boys |
2. C2 National Schools in Kenya
C2 schools form the second cluster in the updated classification. They include institutions from different counties, offering educational opportunities to learners from various communities.
| No. | School Name | School Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Bahari Girls Secondary School | 04100008 | Girls |
| 31 | Hola Boys Secondary School | 05100009 | Boys |
| 32 | Ngao Girls Secondary School | 05100010 | Girls |
| 33 | Lamu Girls Secondary School | 06100011 | Girls |
| 34 | Mpeketoni Secondary School | 06100012 | Boys |
| 35 | Nyandarua High School | 07200014 | Mixed |
| 36 | Kathiani Girls School | 12300013 | Girls |
| 37 | Moyale Secondary School | 16300014 | Boys |
| 38 | Garbatula High School | 17300015 | Boys |
| 39 | Mbooni Girls High School | 18300016 | Girls |
| 40 | Turkana Girls Secondary School | 21500021 | Girls |
| 41 | Kisima Girls High School | 22500024 | Girls |
| 42 | Chewoyet High School | 24500022 | Boys |
| 43 | Tenwek High School | 25500023 | Boys |
| 44 | Kabianga High School | 28500006 | Boys |
| 45 | St. Joseph’s Girls Chepterit | 29500025 | Girls |
| 46 | Nanyuki High School | 30500021 | Boys |
| 47 | Oloolaiser High School | 31500026 | Boys |
| 48 | S.A. Kolanya Girls Secondary School | 35600008 | Girls |
| 49 | Sironga Girls High School | 43700012 | Girls |
| 50 | Moi Nyabohanse Girls High School | 44700011 | Girls |
| 51 | Wajir High School | 46800003 | Boys |
| 52 | Wajir Girls Secondary School | 46800004 | Girls |
| 53 | Mandera Secondary School | 47800005 | Boys |
| 54 | Moi Girls Secondary School Mandera | 47800006 | Girls |
3. C3 National Schools in Kenya
C3 schools are part of the third cluster in the senior school system. Some institutions in this category were previously recognised as national schools.
They include well-known institutions with established academic programmes and histories.
| No. | School Name | School Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Alliance High School | 11200001 | Boys |
| 56 | Alliance Girls High School | 11200002 | Girls |
| 57 | Mang’u High School | 11200003 | Boys |
| 58 | Limuru Girls School | 11200004 | Girls |
| 59 | Loreto High School Limuru | 11200005 | Girls |
| 60 | Maryhill Girls High School | 11200006 | Girls |
| 61 | Lenana School | 20400001 | Boys |
| 62 | Nairobi School | 20400002 | Boys |
| 63 | The Kenya High School | 20400003 | Girls |
| 64 | Starehe Boys’ Centre and School | 20400004 | Boys |
| 65 | Moi Forces Academy Nairobi | 20400008 | Boys |
| 66 | Starehe Girls’ Centre | 20400009 | Girls |
| 67 | Moi Girls High School Eldoret | 26500001 | Girls |
| 68 | Nakuru High School | 27500002 | Boys |
| 69 | Moi Forces Academy Lanet | 27500007 | Girls |
| 70 | Utumishi Boys Academy | 27500008 | Boys |
| 71 | Nakuru Girls High School | 27500009 | Girls |
| 72 | Maseno School | 39700001 | Boys |
4. C4 National Schools in Kenya
C4 institutions are included in the updated national school listing. They serve learners in different regions and provide opportunities for secondary and senior school education.
| No. | School Name | School Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | Kwale High School | 02100005 | Boys |
| 74 | Matuga Girls High School | 02100006 | Girls |
| 75 | Shimo-La-Tewa School | 03100007 | Boys |
| 76 | Karima Girls High School | 07200009 | Girls |
| 77 | Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School | 08200010 | Girls |
| 78 | Kabare Girls High School | 09200011 | Girls |
| 79 | Baricho High School | 09200012 | Boys |
| 80 | Mugoiri Girls High School | 10200013 | Girls |
| 81 | Kitui High School | 13300007 | Boys |
| 82 | Siakago Girls High School | 14300011 | Girls |
| 83 | St. Mary’s Girls High School Igoji | 15300012 | Girls |
| 84 | Moi Girls Secondary School Marsabit | 16300008 | Girls |
| 85 | Isiolo Girls High School | 17300009 | Girls |
| 86 | Ikuu Boys High School | 19300010 | Boys |
| 87 | Lodwar Boys High School | 21500012 | Boys |
| 88 | Maralal High School | 22500013 | Boys |
| 89 | St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale | 23500014 | Boys |
| 90 | Kaplong Girls Secondary School | 25500019 | Girls |
| 91 | Njonjo Girls High School | 30500020 | Girls |
| 92 | Ole Tipis Girls Secondary School | 32500015 | Girls |
| 93 | Kilgoris Boys Secondary School | 32500016 | Boys |
| 94 | Baringo Boys High School | 33500018 | Boys |
| 95 | Moi Kapsowar Girls | 34500017 | Girls |
| 96 | Butula Boys High School | 35600007 | Boys |
| 97 | Butere Girls High School | 37600005 | Girls |
| 98 | Chavakali High School | 38600006 | Boys |
| 99 | Kisumu Girls High School | 39700009 | Girls |
| 100 | Mbita High School | 41700010 | Boys |
| 101 | Ngiya Girls High School | 42700007 | Girls |
| 102 | Nyambaria High School | 43700008 | Boys |
| 103 | NEP Girls High School | 45800002 | Girls |
5. National Special Needs Schools in Kenya
Kenya also has special needs secondary schools that provide education to learners with different disabilities and learning requirements.
These institutions play an important role in promoting inclusive education. They provide specialised learning environments, support services and facilities for learners who require additional assistance.
The following schools appear in the updated national school listing.
| No. | School Name | School Code | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | Kwale High School for the Deaf | 02105120 | Deaf learners |
| 105 | M.S.S. for the Physically Handicapped | 03126103 | Physical disabilities |
| 106 | Pwani Secondary/Vocational School for the Deaf | 04102116 | Deaf learners |
| 107 | Sahajanand Special School-Centre of Excellence | 04125131 | Special needs |
| 108 | Rev. Muhoro School for the Deaf | 08219116 | Deaf learners |
| 109 | Murang’a School for Hearing Impaired | 10204114 | Hearing impairment |
| 110 | S.A. Joytown Secondary School for PH | 11207105 | Physical disabilities |
| 111 | S.A. High School for the Blind | 11207106 | Visual impairment |
| 112 | PCEA Kambui School for Hearing Impaired | 11232113 | Hearing impairment |
| 113 | Machakos Secondary School for the Deaf | 12301796 | Deaf learners |
| 114 | ACK Mary Magdalene High School for the Deaf | 14312122 | Deaf learners |
| 115 | St. Lucy’s High School for the Visually Impaired | 15319324 | Visual impairment |
| 116 | Kasarani Treeside Secondary School for the Deaf | 20407056 | Deaf learners |
| 117 | St. Francis Secondary School for the Visually Impaired | 24505117 | Visual impairment |
| 118 | St. Kizito Secondary School for the Hearing Impaired | 25533120 | Hearing impairment |
| 119 | Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf | 27511533 | Deaf learners |
| 120 | St. Paul’s Charera Special High School | 28522542 | Special needs |
| 121 | Kedowa Special Secondary School | 28571104 | Special needs |
| 122 | Kapsabet Secondary School for the Deaf | 29513104 | Deaf learners |
| 123 | St. Bridgit Akoreet Secondary and Vocational Training | 35620109 | Special needs |
| 124 | Nalondo CBM Secondary for Physically Handicapped | 36612116 | Physical disabilities |
| 125 | Joyvalley S.A. Special Secondary School for P.H. | 36628147 | Physical disabilities |
| 126 | St. Angela Mumias Vocational School for the Deaf | 37617206 | Deaf learners |
| 127 | ACK Ematundu Boys Secondary/Vocational School | 37625123 | Special needs |
| 128 | St. Clare Ebukaya Secondary School for Hearing Impaired | 38633221 | Hearing impairment |
| 129 | St. George Special Secondary School | 39733224 | Special needs |
| 130 | Kibos Visually Impaired Secondary School | 39734313 | Visual impairment |
| 131 | Joyland Special Secondary School | 39741015 | Special needs |
| 132 | Gianchere Friends Secondary/Vocational for the Hearing Impaired | 40703418 | Hearing impairment |
| 133 | Nico Hauser Special School for the Visually Impaired | 42712113 | Visual impairment |
| 134 | Fr. Ouderaa Secondary School for the Hearing Impaired | 42712208 | Hearing impairment |
| 135 | Kuja Special School for the Deaf | 44717106 | Deaf learners |
| 136 | Wajir Special Secondary School for the Deaf | 46802016 | Deaf learners |
What Makes National Schools Important in Kenya?
National schools have traditionally played an important role in providing quality secondary education to learners from different parts of Kenya.
Several factors make these institutions attractive to parents and students.
1. Access to education from different regions
National schools have traditionally admitted learners from across the country. This has helped promote national integration and interaction among students from different cultural and geographical backgrounds.
2. Established academic programmes
Many national schools have a long history of academic performance. They have experienced teachers, established learning programmes and facilities that support classroom instruction.
3. Extracurricular activities
Apart from classroom learning, many schools provide opportunities for students to participate in sports, music, drama, science competitions, clubs and other activities.
4. Leadership development
Boarding school environments can help learners develop independence, teamwork, responsibility and leadership skills.
5. Specialised learning facilities
Some institutions have facilities for science, technology, vocational training, sports and special needs education.
How to Choose a National School in Kenya
Choosing a secondary school is an important decision for parents and learners. Academic reputation is one factor, but it should not be the only consideration.
Here are some important things to consider.
- School location: Consider the distance between the school and your home. This is important when planning transport and school visits.
- Gender classification: Confirm whether the school admits boys, girls or both.
- Academic performance: Review available examination results and the school’s academic history.
- Learning pathways: Under CBC, confirm that the school offers the learner’s preferred pathway and subject combinations.
- School facilities: Check the availability of laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and other learning resources.
- Boarding facilities: Consider accommodation, meals, sanitation and student welfare.
- School fees: Obtain the current official fee structure and understand the financial requirements.
- Student support: Find out whether the school offers counselling, career guidance and other student support services.
How to Apply for Admission to National Schools in Kenya
Admission procedures depend on the education system and the learner’s level.
For learners joining senior school under CBC, placement is managed through the Ministry of Education’s official placement system.
Parents and learners should:
- Complete the required school selection process through the official education channels.
- Review available senior schools and their learning pathways.
- Select schools that offer the required subject combinations.
- Follow the official placement and admission announcements.
- Download or obtain the admission instructions after placement.
- Confirm reporting dates, school requirements and fees.
- Contact the school for clarification where necessary.
Parents should use official Ministry of Education communication when checking placement information. They should avoid relying on unofficial admission promises or paying individuals who claim to guarantee school placement.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Schools in Kenya
1. How many national schools are there in Kenya?
An updated October 2026 listing published by Education News Hub contains 136 institutions classified as National Schools. These are distributed across C1, C2, C3, C4 and special needs classifications.
2. What is the difference between C1 and C2 schools?
C1 and C2 are different clusters in the senior school classification. C1 represents the highest cluster, while C2 is the second cluster. The clusters are used in the updated senior school placement system.
3. Are Alliance High School and Alliance Girls still national schools?
Both institutions are included in the updated national school listing. However, they appear under C3 in the published 2026 classification rather than C1.
4. Are national schools only for boys and girls?
No. Although many traditional national schools are single-sex institutions, the updated listing also includes mixed special needs institutions.
5. Can learners from any county join a national school?
National schools have traditionally admitted students from across Kenya. Under the new senior school system, placement depends on the applicable Ministry of Education guidelines, learner performance, school choices and available learning pathways.
6. Do all national schools offer boarding?
Many traditional national schools operate as boarding institutions. However, parents should confirm the current accommodation arrangements and admission requirements directly with individual schools.
This article uses the updated 136-school listing published by Education News Hub on 17 October 2026. The published list includes school codes, gender types and cluster classifications.
The Ministry of Education’s senior school framework should be treated as the primary reference when making placement decisions. The Ministry’s June 2025 senior school list contains a wider C1 classification of 253 schools, demonstrating why the terms National School and C1 should not automatically be treated as identical.
Parents and learners should verify school details, pathways, admission requirements and placement information through the Ministry of Education before making final decisions.