Top Schools for Children with Special Needs in Kenya

In Kenya, children with special needs, including physical, mental, or speech and language impairments, require tailored educational environments to thrive. These students benefit from specialized care, therapies, and inclusive curricula designed to support their unique developmental and learning needs. Below is a curated list of some of the top schools in Kenya that excel in providing comprehensive education and support for children with disabilities, ensuring they can achieve their full potential in both academic and daily life skills.

1. Kenya Community Centre for Learning (KCCL)

Located behind Thika Road Mall in Nairobi, KCCL is a non-profit community school offering alternative education for students aged 6 to 21 with diverse learning challenges. The school fosters an inclusive environment that promotes academic growth and personal empowerment through individualized programs.

Location: Off Thika Superhighway, Exit 8, Behind Thika Road Mall, Nairobi
Contact: +254 721 324 894
Email: Not publicly listed
Programs: Customized education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational training
Curriculum: Adapted Kenyan CBC with a focus on life skills and personal development

2. St. Gerald’s Centre for Children with Autism

Situated in Tigoni, near Nazareth Hospital, St. Gerald’s is a specialized day and boarding facility dedicated to children with autism spectrum disorders. The centre emphasizes individualized learning plans, sensory-friendly environments, and therapies such as speech and occupational therapy to support holistic development.

Location: Tigoni, Limuru, Kiambu County
Contact: +254 706 350 180
Email: [email protected]
Programs: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary interventions, and sensory integration
Curriculum: Tailored programs for ages 3–16, focusing on autism-specific needs

3. Fairmile Special School

Fairmile Special School, located along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, provides a nurturing environment for children with developmental and learning challenges. The school offers a range of academic and social therapy programs, including the Son-Rise methodology, sensory integration, and extracurricular activities like horse therapy.

Location: Waiyaki Way, near Sodom Bus Stop, Nairobi
Contact: +254 721 699 844, +254 020 520 541
Email: Not publicly listed
Programs: Social therapy, horse therapy, sensory integration, and early developmental interventions
Curriculum: CBC with additional therapeutic and extracurricular support

4. Nile Road Special School

Located off Jogoo Road in Nairobi, Nile Road Special School is renowned for supporting children with physical and mental disabilities. The school focuses on enabling students to achieve independence through specialized interventions such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Location: Nile Road, off Jogoo Road, Eastlands, Nairobi
Contact: +254 700 896 476
Email: Not publicly listed
Programs: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, ABA, and rehabilitation services
Curriculum: Adapted CBC for physical and mental impairments

5. Heshima Children’s Centre

Heshima Children’s Centre, situated approximately 1 kilometer from Lenana School in Nairobi, is dedicated to children with disabilities and deformities. The centre provides medical interventions, special education, and therapies including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and horse riding to enhance students’ physical and cognitive skills.

Location: Near Lenana School, Nairobi
Contact: +254 732 489 085
Email: [email protected]
Programs: Medical interventions, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sign language, and horse riding
Curriculum: Tailored special education programs

6. Jacaranda Special School

Jacaranda Special School is a public day primary school in Kilimani, Nairobi, catering to children with special needs such as autism and cerebral palsy. Supported by government funding and donations, the school provides a nurturing environment for urban students with diverse disabilities.

Location: Kilimani, Westlands, Nairobi
Contact: Not publicly listed
Email: Not publicly listed
Programs: Special education for autism and cerebral palsy, life skills training
Curriculum: Kenyan CBC adapted for special needs

7. Treeside Special School

Located in Kasarani, Nairobi, Treeside Special School is a mixed boarding institution serving students aged 7 to 42 with intellectual and learning disabilities. The school offers teaching, training, and rehabilitation services to support academic and personal growth.

Location: Kasarani Estate, Nairobi
Contact: +254 721 139 585, +254 711 751 271
Email: [email protected]
Programs: Rehabilitation, vocational training, and academic support
Curriculum: Adapted CBC for intellectual challenges

8. Acorn Special Tutorials

Established in 1990, Acorn Special Tutorials in Dagoretti, Nairobi, focuses on children with intellectual disabilities. The centre provides occupational therapy, individualized education programs,