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I braved the cold Nairobi weather to visit SABIS International School, Runda recently, and it was all worth it.

There has been a lot of talk among parents about what SABIS actually is and what it offers. Some had heard it was American. Others swore it was British. A few weren't sure it was either. So instead of trying to dispel the rumours from my desk, I decided to go and find out for myself.

A Newer School with an Old Network Behind It

SABIS Runda opened its doors in 2018, which makes it one of the younger international schools in Nairobi. But the school itself is part of something much older. The wider SABIS network traces its history back to 1886, which means the model this school runs on has had well over a century to be tested, refined, and exported around the world.

The school offers education from kindergarten all the way through to Grade 12, and for families who need it, there are boarding facilities as well.

So, Is It British or American?

This was the question I most wanted answered, and the truth turned out to be more interesting than I thought.

SABIS doesn't pick a side. It combines elements of both the British and American systems into a single educational model. Rather than importing one blanket curriculum, the school runs what it calls the SABIS curriculum, a system built on international standards and delivered through what they refer to as the SABIS Learning Cycle, alongside continual student assessment and integrated technology.

The end goal is for students to be prepared for both American examinations, the SAT and AP, and British examinations, IGCSE and A Levels. So, when parents ask me whether SABIS is American or British, my honest answer is: it's both.

Part of Something Much Bigger

The first thing that stood out for me during my visit was just how connected this school is to the rest of the world. SABIS isn't a single school trying to figure things out in isolation. It's a global education network with an active presence in 21 countries across five continents, and the students at SABIS Runda get to participate directly in that.

SABIS schools are able to continuously benchmark against each other, which helps maintain consistency in standards across very different countries and contexts. A student moving from a SABIS school in another country to SABIS Runda, or vice versa, isn't starting from scratch.

That global network also opens doors for students in ways a single, standalone school usually can't. I learned about SABIS Stars, which celebrates achievement in the arts and sciences, the SABIS STEAM Competition, where students showcase their skills in robotics and engineering, and the SABIS Global Sports Tournament. Students are competing and collaborating with peers from SABIS schools across the world.

Students Running Their Own Show

Now the best part of my visit was learning about the SABIS Student Life Organization, or SLO. This is an impressive student-led programme that gives learners an active role in shaping school life, not just as a gesture, but as real responsibility.

Through the SLO, students organize events, participate in community service projects, and take on roles that come with actual ownership. (Also, did I mention that the students have their own office while at it).

Who Is SABIS Runda Right For?

Based on what I saw, SABIS Runda is a strong fit for families who want their child prepared for the highest level of international academic competition, without being forced to choose between the British and American pathways. The dual preparation for IGCSE and A Levels alongside SAT and AP means students leave with credentials recognized across a very wide range of institutions globally.

It is also a good fit for families who value structure, consistent academic standards, and a school culture where students are expected to take ownership of their learning early. The SABIS model is not a passive one . Here, students are assessed continuously and are expected to keep up. Children who thrive in high-expectation environments with clear systems and measurable progress will find this school suits them well.

On fees, SABIS Runda sits at a more accessible price point than some of the older, established international schools in Nairobi, which makes it an attractive option for ambitious Kenyan families who want a genuinely international education without the extreme premium price tag.

Thinking About an International School in Kenya?

At GoShule, we visit schools, so you don’t have to navigate the search alone. Whether you are considering boarding or day schools, British, American, or blended curriculum options, we give you an honest, first-hand picture of what each school truly offers beyond the brochure.If you are looking for the right international school for your child in Kenya, we would love to help.

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