Lycée Denis Diderot, also known as the International French School of Nairobi, is a private bilingual French-English school in Kilimani, Nairobi.
The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education for students aged 2 to 18 and serves approximately 680 students from 50 countries.
Lycée Denis Diderot is located on Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, near the Yaya Center, a central Nairobi location. The campus spans 2 hectares, providing a conducive environment for learning and extracurricular activities.
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Founded in 1962, the Lycée Français Denis Diderot is one of Kenya’s oldest international schools, known for its longevity and reputation.
Educational Philosophy
Part of the Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE) network, the school offers a French curriculum leading to the French and international baccalaureate.
The school focuses on multilingualism, with 8 hours of foreign language instruction per week in primary school, including 2 hours of Swahili, a key local language.
The kindergarten program prioritises creating a desire to learn, while the primary and secondary levels focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and academic rigour.
From the second year of middle school, students can choose an additional foreign language, and the PARLE program aims to develop fluency in two major international languages, enhancing students’ global profiles.
The French education system is renowned globally, and Lycée Denis Diderot upholds this reputation through innovative teaching methods, experienced educators, and a commitment to student autonomy.
Extracurricular and Cultural Engagement
Lycée Denis Diderot is actively involved in local and international academic, cultural, and sporting events.
The school has hosted Rugby competitions and skateboard festivals, with teachers like Sébastien Buffe, a rugby enthusiast, leading initiatives such as a trip to the World Cup in Brasilia.
The school participates in projects like La Grande Lessive, an international art initiative, and hosts workshops with prominent figures such as French poet Sam Cambio, author Timothée de Fombelle, historian Hector Obalk, and Kenyan cultural icons like Maddo and Tabu Osusa.
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Teachers like Stéphane Breger organise events to promote the French language, involving students from Kenyan schools.
Lycée Denis Diderot Fees
The tuition fees at Lycée Denis Diderot vary depending on the student’s nationality and grade level.
The school, being non-profit and subsidised by the French government, charges fees 27–30% lower than other international schools in Nairobi.
French and Kenyan citizens range from approximately Ksh584,000 to Ksh1,556,000 annually, with a first-year enrollment fee of around Ksh831,416 for a 3-year-old child due to additional one-time costs.
For the most accurate and updated fee structure for 2025/2026, as fees are subject to change, the school urges parents and guardians to contact the school at [email protected].
Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 47525, Argwings Kodhek Road, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 243 77 14 (administration and library)
Fax: +254 20 243 77 15
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www.diderot.ac.ke
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