Makini School is a private educational institution in Kenya, offering both the Kenyan CBC curriculum and the British Cambridge curriculum.
Founded in 1978, the school began as Riara Gardens Academy with just eight nursery students.
The school steadily grew in the 1980s and beyond, evolving from a small home-based nursery into a large institution offering both the Kenya National Curriculum (CBC) and the international Cambridge curriculum.
Over the years, Makini Schools expanded its campuses across Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, such as Kisumu.
In 2018, the ADvTECH Group, a South African private education company, acquired a controlling stake in Makini Schools, facilitating further expansion and professionalisation.
Owners and Founders
Makini Schools is largely owned and managed by the ADvTECH Group, a South African private education company.
ADvTECH has since increased its ownership to approximately 94%, thereby gaining majority control of the institution’s operations.
The remaining 6% of the shares are jointly held by Scholé International and Caerus Capital.
Makini School was established in 1978 by Dr Pius Okelo and Dr Mary Okelo. They later sold their controlling interests to ADvTECH and its investment partners.
Mary Okelo was a pioneering Kenyan educationist, entrepreneur, and retired banker known for co-founding the Makini Group of Schools alongside her late husband, Dr Pius Okelo.
She was the first woman bank manager in Kenya and a champion of gender rights and education.
Also Read: Makini Schools Introduces Unique Digital Learning Tool
Additionally, she founded the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) and has been recognized with various national honors, including the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear for her contributions to education and community development.
Makini Schools Campuses and Locations
Nairobi Campuses
- Makini Preschool – Ngong Road
- Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Services: CBC-based early childhood education (ages 2–6), play-based learning, pastoral care.
- Makini Primary School – Ngong Road
- Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Services: CBC for Grades 1–8, ICT integration, robotics, STEM learning.
- Optional activities: Swimming, Karate, Skating, Horse Riding, Music (Ksh 3,000–8,000).
- Makini Cambridge School – Ngong Road
- Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Curriculum: British Cambridge (Early Years to IGCSE Year 11).
- Features: Cambridge Assessment Centre, KAIS member, AI-powered ADvLEARN platform.
- Makini Junior School – Ngong Road
- Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Services: Junior Secondary (Grades 7–9), CBC-based, with digital classrooms, robotics, and STEM.
- Teachers: CBC-trained, involved in national learning materials.
- Makini Statehouse Junior Academy
- Location: State House Avenue, Nairobi
- Services: Playgroup to Grade 5, CBC curriculum, focus on character, academics, etiquette, motor skills, language, and mathematics.
Also Read: Makini Schools Parent Company Acquires Another International School
Kisumu Campuses
- Makini Junior School – Migosi
- Location: Migosi, along Kisumu-Kakamega Road
- Services: CBC for Preschool and Primary, digital learning tools, life skills, songs, videos, and virtual games.
- Makini School – Kisumu City (Nyerere Road)
- Location: Nyerere Road, Shree Lohana Mahajan property, Kisumu
- Services: CBC for Primary (Grade 1–6) and Junior Secondary (Grade 7–9).
- Pathways: STEM, Arts & Sports, Social Sciences, leading to Senior School.
Makini High School (Ngong Road, Nairobi)
- Level: Secondary (Form 3 & 4)
- Services: CBC-aligned, meals, games, ICT, and computer access.
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