Homeschooling in Kenya is no longer a foreign idea. Every year, more parents are choosing to take their children out of traditional schools and embrace a flexible, personalized way of learning. This definitive guide will take you through how to start homeschooling in Kenya.
But one of the most common questions we hear is: “Where do I even start?”
The good news is: starting homeschooling in Kenya is not as complicated as it sounds — especially if you have the right guidance. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through what you need to know and show you how Nakuru Homeschooling can make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Understand Your Why
Before anything else, parents need to pause and reflect: Why do I want to homeschool my child?
Your reasons matter because they shape your entire homeschooling journey. For example:
- If your concern is academic pressure, you might want a curriculum that prioritizes mastery over rote memorization.
- If your concern is special needs education, you’ll need a program that provides individualized support and flexibility.
- If you’re motivated by faith-based values, ACE or Christian homeschooling may be a good fit.
- If you want your child to access global opportunities, then international systems like IGCSE or IB may be better suited.
When you are clear on your why, it becomes easier to choose the right curriculum, teaching style, and support system. Without it, homeschooling can feel overwhelming and directionless.
At Nakuru Homeschooling, we start by helping parents clarify their “why” so that every choice aligns with their child’s unique needs and family vision.
Step 2: Choose the Right Curriculum
The curriculum you choose will determine not only what your child studies but also which exams they can sit for, and the opportunities open to them later.
In Kenya, parents typically choose from these options:
- CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) → practical, skills-based, and aligned with Kenya’s education reforms.
- IGCSE (Cambridge International Curriculum) → globally recognized, flexible, and great for international university pathways.
- ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) → Christian-based, structured, and adaptable to self-paced learning.
- Hybrid → mixing two or more systems, e.g., CBC in the early years and IGCSE at secondary level.
Choosing isn’t always easy because each has its advantages and costs. For example, CBC is widely affordable and aligned with local systems, but IGCSE provides flexibility and international recognition.
Pro tip: Don’t just pick a curriculum based on popularity. Think about your child’s strengths, your budget, and your family’s long-term vision. At Nakuru Homeschooling, we guide families through this decision, ensuring the chosen curriculum truly serves the child’s future.
Step 3: Register and Stay Compliant
One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether homeschooling in Kenya is legal. The answer is yes — but you must follow Ministry of Education guidelines.
Here’s what compliance looks like:
- Registration: Homeschoolers should be registered as learners through the Ministry of Education or directly with exam bodies like KNEC, Cambridge, or ACE.
- Exams: CBC/8-4-4 learners register as private candidates for KCPE or KCSE, while IGCSE learners register at accredited exam centres.
- Records: Keep lesson plans, assessment reports, and attendance records. These can be requested during inspections.
- Child Protection: Homeschooling must provide quality education — failure to do so may attract legal consequences.
Many parents find the paperwork intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, compliance becomes a smooth process. At Nakuru Homeschooling, we help families register correctly and prepare learners for both local and international exams.
Step 4: Set Up Your Learning Space and Gather Resources
Homeschooling doesn’t require an expensive setup — but the learning environment matters.
- A quiet, well-lit, and organized space helps children focus.
- Basic furniture like a desk, shelves, and comfortable seating makes learning structured.
- Resources such as textbooks, workbooks, art supplies, and digital tools complete the setup.
Technology now plays a huge role in homeschooling. With a reliable internet connection, learners can access platforms like:
- Khan Academy for free online lessons.
- Google Classroom or Zoom for structured classes.
- School AI Global (our partner platform) customized for Kenyan learners.
Think of your home as both a classroom and a lab for exploration. Learning doesn’t only happen at a desk — it can happen in the kitchen (science), garden (biology), or even the market (entrepreneurship).
Step 5: Decide Who Will Teach
A common fear is: “Do I have to teach everything myself?”
The truth is, homeschooling is flexible:
- Parent-led teaching: You can teach most subjects if you feel confident.
- Tutor support: Hire part-time tutors for specialized subjects like math, sciences, or foreign languages.
- Homeschool centres: Enroll your child in a centre like Nakuru Homeschooling, where expert tutors support both learners and parents.
This decision often depends on your schedule, budget, and confidence in teaching. Many parents combine these options — teaching core subjects themselves, while hiring tutors or joining a centre for the more technical areas.
Step 6: Plan Assessments and Track Progress
Homeschooling should not mean being casual about education. To stay on track, you need to plan assessments just like schools do.
This includes:
- Weekly assignments and projects.
- Unit tests or termly exams.
- Mock exams that prepare learners for KCPE, KCSE, IGCSE, or ACE exams.
Keeping a progress portfolio is essential — it allows you to track growth, identify weak areas, and provide evidence of structured learning if ever requested by education officials.
At Nakuru Homeschooling, we don’t just provide tutoring — we help parents track progress, design assessment schedules, and prepare learners for both local and international exams.
Step 7: Join a Homeschooling Community
One of the myths about homeschooling is that children become isolated. In reality, socialization is possible — but it has to be intentional.
Joining a homeschooling community offers:
- Peer interaction through study groups and play dates.
- Shared resources like books, tutors, and teaching materials.
- Group field trips, sports, and co-curricular activities.
In Kenya, communities exist both in physical hubs (like ours in Nakuru) and online spaces. These networks ensure that parents get moral support while children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Why Parents Choose Nakuru Homeschooling
Starting homeschooling alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why many parents partner with us to make the process easier, structured, and effective.
We guide you through legal requirements and registration.
We help you select the right curriculum (CBC, IGCSE, ACE, or hybrid).
We provide affordable tutors and learning resources.
We support special needs homeschooling with individualized approaches.
We enrich education with life skills and co-curricular activities.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Kenya?
If you’ve been thinking about homeschooling, there’s no better time to take the first step. Your child’s future can be shaped in a personalized, flexible, and nurturing environment.
Contact Nakuru Homeschooling today to book a consultation and start your journey with confidence.
Visit our website for free resources and curriculum guides.
Join our supportive community of homeschooling families across Kenya.
Homeschooling is a journey. Let’s walk it together.