We are happy to share some exciting news about the future of education at Nova Pioneer. In line with the Kenya Ministry of Education’s rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) in Senior School at the start of the 2026 academic year, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Senior School programme under the CBE curriculum. Over the past 18 months, our teams have been hard at work to ensure that we are ready for the Senior School rollout and this development marks a major step forward in enhancing the educational journey for our students.

At our Tatu City Campus, we will be offering ALL THREE pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science. We will offer TWO pathways at the Eldoret Campus and at the Athi River Campus, where we will be launching STEM and Social Sciences. 

Our offering across the Athi River, Eldoret and Tatu City campuses allows current students to transfer between campuses, allowing families to  choose from day, weekly boarding, or full boarding options; ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in their studies in an environment that best suits their needs. We continue to be committed to designing a student experience that ensures learners can pursue their interests and develop crucial skills for the future, all while being mindful of the costs associated with delivering the experience.

1. Innovation & Leadership Programme

Students hone in on Character, reflecting deeply on their  values and beliefs. They then develop skills that will help them solve real-world problems through the frameworks of innovation, social entrepreneurship, and leadership.

2. Beyond The Classroom Opportunities

We recognize the contribution of physical education and the arts to the health and well-being of our students and believe that a varied co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities have a positive influence on the concentration, attitude and academic achievement of all students. Thus, we offer a wide range of musical, arts and sports activities and the opportunity for students to participate competitively both locally and internationally in their chosen club or sport.

Challenging our students outside the classroom strengthens their teamwork, resilience and leadership skills. Our Novaneers build valuable skills and attitudes that become lessons for life through their extra-curricular activities.

3. Culture First

Our culture principles are cemented both inside and outside of the classroom, through collaboration on projects, sport and community engagement opportunities.

By exploring culture and integrating it as part of character development, our students take on daily challenges with a strong sense of purpose, service and innovation. 

4. Post School Success Programme

We have designed a unique programme with the purpose of facilitating each student’s exploration and understanding of themselves with a focus on post-secondary opportunities available to them. Our Class of 2023 received over $7,000,000 in scholarships from universities in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, and the United States of America (U.S.A).

Are you a Grade 9 (CBE) student or a parent looking ahead to Senior School? Join a school that sees your potential and prepares you for a future without limits.

Applications for 2026 are now open

To learn more about our CBE pathways, click on this link to put in an application and get invited to our next open day or get a chance to book a personalized tour of our campuses. 

 

Greetings!

My name is Marclus Marite. I am an alumnus of Nova Pioneer Tatu Boys (Class of 2022) and an incoming freshman at The California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

After sitting for my K.C.S.E, I spent most of my time at home, anxiously awaiting my results. As expected, I achieved an outstanding A, scoring 83 out of 84 points. However, what I did not anticipate was being recognized as one of the top students nationwide! This incredible honor opened doors to numerous opportunities and profoundly shaped the trajectory of my life.

Shortly after receiving my results, I was invited to join the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), a prestigious initiative designed for Kenya’s top-performing students. I underwent an intensive two-week induction at Sportsview Kasarani before interning as a corporate teller at Equity Bank’s Kenyatta University branch for seven months. During this period, I also participated in college counseling provided by ELP.

In October 2023, I took the SAT and achieved an impressive score of 1500/1600. That same month, I enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Unfortunately, my college applications abroad were unsuccessful, and I did not secure admission anywhere. However, what seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This experience reignited my determination and strengthened my resolve to navigate the grueling application process once more.

With renewed clarity and motivation, I applied to top U.S. universities in November 2024. In March 2025, my perseverance finally bore fruit. By God’s grace, I was accepted to both the California Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), each offering me full funding.

I am honored to be attending Caltech this fall, where I plan to major in Applied and Computational Mathematics and later explore the field of Quantitative Finance.

 

 

Hey Novaneers!

My name is Lisa Mukoya Ochieng, a proud alumna of Nova Pioneer Tatu Girls (Class of 2022) and an incoming freshman at Princeton University, New Jersey—still very much undecided on my major, but leaning towards something STEM (or maybe humanities? Who knows, we’ll see). 

Nova Pioneer played a huge role in shaping my journey, thanks to the incredible teammates who supported me every step of the way in high school. Special thanks to Mr. Otaka for guiding me through the application process and writing my counselor recommendation letter, and to Mrs. Melvin and Mr. Opiyo for their amazing subject recommendation letters. I’m deeply grateful.

After completing my K.C.S.E in December 2022, I spent my time at home waiting for results while working on coding projects (because what else do you do when you have way too much free time?). Then came January 2023, K.C.S.E results day. I was expecting good news, but I was still completely shocked when I saw my score: an A of 83/84 points, making me one of the top students in the country and the top girl in Ruiru Sub-county.

With those results, I was selected to join the Equity Leadership Program, which mentors top students countrywide into future leaders. During an intensive two-week job induction camp, we were trained on financial literacy, banking operations, fraud detection, and professional skills. After that, I began a six-month internship as a Relationship Officer at Equity Bank, Embakasi Branch. Alongside my internship, I joined the Equity College Counseling Program, where I prepared for the SAT, crafted my essays, and built my college applications.

I took my first SAT on August 23rd, 2023, scoring 1430/1600 (760 Math, 670 English). While I performed well in Math, the English section proved to be a challenge.

Around this time, I also joined the Kenya Robotics Team as the Assistant Team Captain and began working on building a robot for the FIRST Global Challenge in Singapore. The experience was incredible! I got hands-on with computer-aided design (CAD), deepened my knowledge of Java programming, and truly immersed myself in the world of robotics.

Then came the dreaded college application season, and let’s just say, it was brutal. I applied to 20 colleges in the US, and every single one of them rejected me. 20 out of 20. It felt like the universe had a vendetta against me, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t give up. I also explored other opportunities and was later awarded the full Türkiye Bursları Government Scholarship to study Computer Science at Ankara University. It was an amazing opportunity, but I took a massive risk and declined it to chase my American dream one more time.

Determined to improve my chances, I retook the SAT on October 5th, 2024. My English score went up, but Math decided to betray me that day (1380/1600—710 English, 670 Math). With a superscore of 1470, I still felt it wasn’t competitive enough, so I ultimately applied test-optional (without submitting my SAT scores).

This time, everything changed.

On March 27th, at exactly 2:07 a.m., I got the acceptance letter. “Congratulations!” My first-ever acceptance. And not just anywhere. Princeton University. The #1 ranked university in the U.S. offering me full funding. God came through for me!

I still got 10 rejections this cycle, but honestly? It doesn’t even matter. My American dream came true. I’m still in shock, but I know these next four years are going to be incredible.

To anyone out there chasing big dreams, keep going. Rejection is just redirection. Your moment is coming! And most importantly, trust in God. His timing is always perfect.

 

At Nova Pioneer, we value our community and the connections that are made within it. That’s why we are excited to announce a special Referral Campaign running from 27th March to 12th September 2025. Whether you are a current family or considering enrolling with us, this campaign offers a chance to save 25% on your child’s tuition fees for the remaining part of 2025!

Here’s How It Works

For Current Families:

• Refer a New Family: If you are a current family at our CBC or Cambridge campuses, simply refer a friend, neighbor, or colleague to enroll their child at our school.
• Earn a Discount: When your referred family successfully enrols, you will receive 25% off your child’s tuition fees for the remaining 2025 school year.

For New Families:

• Save on Tuition: If you’re a new family enroling at our school, you can also enjoy a 25% discount on your child’s tuition fees for the remaining 2025 school year.

This campaign is open to both CBC and Cambridge families, making it a great opportunity for everyone in our school community to save!

Key Things to Know

1. Eligibility: The campaign is available for families from both CBC and Cambridge campuses.
2. Campaign Dates: This limited-time campaign runs from 27th March to 12th September 2025, so make sure to refer a family or enrol before the campaign ends.

Terms and Conditions

Before you refer or enrol, please take a moment to review the Terms and Conditions of the campaign.

25% Tuition Discount For Current Families Referring New Families – TERMS & CONDITIONS

25% In-year Incentive For New Families- TERMS & CONDITIONS

More Than A Discount!

This opportunity is more than just a discount; it’s an opportunity to give your child an amazing educational experience whilst helping to build an even stronger, more vibrant school community.

If you have any questions, or if you would like more information about the campaign, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +254 (0)748 577 462 or write to us at admissions.ke@novapioneer.com.

Apply here, and our Admissions team will be in touch with you to guide you through the process.

 

Dr. Evan Atar Adaha, A Pan-African Hero, Inspires Our Tatu City Primary & International Novaneers At STEAM Innovation & Career Week.

In our mission to develop generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African century, Nova Pioneer believes in inspiring students through the stories and actions of pan-African heroes. On Friday, 14th March 2025, at this year’s Tatu City Primary & International STEAM Innovation & Career Week, Executive Principal Christine Kathurima welcomed Dr. Evan Atar Adaha to the campus for a day of inspiring conversations with Novaneers.

This year’s STEAM Innovation & Career week theme was – Healthy Heroes: STEAMing Towards a Healthier World. With this theme in mind, who better to host than Dr. Atah Adaha? Dr. Adaha is a distinguished South Sudanese surgeon and humanitarian known for his unwavering efforts and dedication to providing crucial medical care in one of the world’s most challenging environments; Maban Referral Hospital, the only surgical facility serving the conflict-ridden region of Maban County in South Sudan.

Dr Adaha’s visit was especially meaningful to our school community as one of our Grade 4 homerooms is proudly named in his honour. The students were excited to meet and connect with Dr. Adaha and hear about his experiences, motivations, and inspiration while serving as the medical director and chief surgeon at Maban Referral Hospital. He truly embodies our culture principle of Servant Leadership, and his insights on courage, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit left the students deeply inspired and motivated.

Following an intimate interaction with Grade 4 Adaha students, Dr. Adaha addressed the entire school in a heartfelt and powerful keynote speech, capping our STEAM Innovation & Career Week. His words on the importance of compassion, perseverance, and commitment to others had a profound impact on Novaneers. He resonated deeply with the students and teammates and reminded everyone of the difference one individual can make, even in the face of adversity. He encouraged our students to embrace their passions and reminded them that they hold the power to change the future and rise as compassionate and impactful leaders.

Dr. Evan Atar Adaha was named the 2018 winner of UNHCR’s Nansen Refugee Award. He has often risked his life to provide life-altering medical care and through his tireless efforts, selflessness, and humanity, saved countless lives and provided hope in one of the world’s most critical conditions. His dedication to serving vulnerable communities in the face of unimaginable adversity will continue to inspire our students and offer a real-life example of Servant Leadership.

 

Ready to Learn More?

Would you like to learn more about what makes learning unique and practical at Nova Pioneer? Sign up here to attend our next Campus Experience, and one of our Admissions Associates will get in touch with you to share more details about what makes learning at Nova Pioneer extraordinary!

Get Ready for an Exciting New Learning Experience at Nova Pioneer- Launching September 2025!

 

At Nova Pioneer, we are all about reimagining education. For the past decade, we’ve been delivering the best global learning practices to prepare our students for success in the real world. In Kenya, we have been honored to deliver the National Curriculum (8-4-4 & CBC), and in South Africa, we have proudly offered the Cambridge Curriculum.

Now, we are thrilled to announce something special; the Cambridge Curriculum is coming to our Athi River and Tatu City campuses in September 2025! Starting with Early Years 1 through to Year 8, our Cambridge offering will open up new options for our families. In September 2026, we plan to add even more years as students transition to higher grades.

 

What Makes The Nova Pioneer Student Experience Stand Out?

Whether your child is following the Cambridge, CBC, or 8-4-4 curriculum, one thing remains the same: practical, real-world learning. At Nova Pioneer, we believe in the power of hands-on learning, where students connect classroom theories to real-life challenges. This approach not only strengthens their understanding but also gives them the tools to solve problems with confidence.

Our goal? To inspire a lifelong love of learning in every student. We have not just focused on academic success; we want to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a passion for knowledge that will fuel students’ growth throughout their lives. That’s why Nova Pioneer emphasizes high expectations, 21st-century skills, and a space for future innovators and leaders.

 

Cambridge Curriculum: A Proven Success

Our students from our Ormonde campus recorded  remarkable achievement with one of our students achieving top position in Cambridge International Award by being top position globally for Cambridge International IGCSE Business Studies in November 2022.

An impressive 83% of our Ormonde graduating class achieved University Exemptions. Notably, Nova Pioneer students surpassed global subject pass averages in English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Business, and History. 

 

Ready to Learn More?

Excited about the opportunity for your child to join the Cambridge Curriculum at Nova Pioneer? Sign up here to attend our Campus Experience Event, and one of our Admissions Associates will get in touch with you to share more details about this exciting new offering!

We can’t wait to welcome your child into a world of endless learning possibilities!

 

Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa Partner to Enhance Outdoor Education Programmes.

Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa have announced a groundbreaking partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer outdoor environmental education programmes for students aged 14 to 18 years. This collaboration aims to empower young learners by fostering leadership skills while addressing environmental challenges.

As the climate crisis continues, it is crucial to equip the next generation with the tools to take action. The partnership between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa will provide students with hands-on outdoor education, encouraging them to think critically and develop solutions for the challenges their communities face. The launch of two pilot programmes during the April 2025 school break marks the beginning of this exciting venture.

Antony Gatandi, Nova Pioneer’s Director of School Services & Productivity, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in practical learning experiences that will shape them into environmental leaders. Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa are dedicated to preparing students for the pressing environmental challenges we face today.”

Johannes Visser, CEO of Moyo Moja Africa, shared his excitement about the partnership, “It is rewarding to work with Nova Pioneer as an organisation committed to developing generations of Innovators and Leaders who will solve the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our programmes equip students with the tools to understand, advocate for, and drive solutions that benefit their communities. Whether affected by flooding, drought, or other environmental challenges, we aim to inspire students to become curious problem solvers and lead the change. Through this collaboration, students will benefit from passionate staff at Nova Pioneer, creating a dynamic environment for learning and growth.”

The two pilot programmes will launch in April 2025, focusing on two vital ecosystems:

1. Forests Ecosystems Programme (April 7-11, 2025): Held at Nova Pioneer’s Tatu City campus, this programme will engage students in storytelling, forestry ecosystems, and sustainable practices, with a special focus on the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The programme will feature conservation heroes, organic farmers, and environmentalists who have been recognized by global media outlets such as BBC and CNN. Students will gain valuable insights into local conservation efforts and be inspired to create solutions for their own communities.
2. Coffee Value Chain Programme (April 14-17, 2025): Also based at Nova Pioneer Tatu City campus. The programme will take students through a coffee journey in Kenya. Through the lenses of sustainability and societal impact, they will look for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Value chain. Visits to coffee farmers and distributors are part of the hands-on learning. The programme will culminate in Simba’s Den, where students will pitch their innovative ideas for innovation to a panel of experts.

These two programmes represent the first steps in a long-term collaboration between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa, aiming to develop a generation of environmentally-conscious leaders ready to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century.

Through this partnership, Nova Pioneer will continue to provide its students with opportunities to lead in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. Students will not only gain practical skills but also resources that will shape their careers and future contributions to society.

To learn more about the programmes and sign-up for the available April 2025 programmes, visit www.moyomoja.org/programs. The deadline for signing up for the April 2025 programmes is 24 March 2025.

Download the two brochures below:

Forestry programme

Value Chain programme

Congratulations on your upcoming transition to Junior School!

Starting at a new school or grade level can be both exciting and a little daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what lies ahead but don’t worry; I am here to share five important tips that will help you feel more confident as you make this big change.

 

Accept the Change that Comes with Transition

#JoyofLearning

The move to Junior School means new challenges, and it’s important to embrace them. You’ll be taking on more subjects and more responsibility, which may feel overwhelming at first but remember, change can be uncomfortable and that’s exactly where the growth happens. It’s all part of learning and becoming more independent.

 

Expand Your Universe – Be Open to Making New Connections

#GreaterTogether

You’ll meet new students and teachers, and your existing relationships might shift. It’s important to be open to making new friends and connecting with people you may not know yet. Take the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and give and receive feedback as this helps you grow both personally and academically.

 

Clubs and Sports Matter

#BeyondTheClassroomOpportunities

Junior School is not just about academics. Extracurricular activities like clubs and sports are an excellent way to meet new people, discover new talents, and have fun. Whether you are into sports, drama, music, or anything else, there’s something for everyone. Get involved and try out new activities as you might just find a passion you did not expect!

 

Try New Things 

#AlwaysGrowing

One of the best things about Junior School is the chance to explore new interests and activities. It’s totally okay to make mistakes along the way, because that’s how you learn and grow. Be brave enough to try things that are new to you. Whether it’s a subject, a hobby, or a challenge, give it a go; even if you are not sure you will succeed the first time.

 

Take Responsibility for Your Path

#HighExpectations

As you move into Junior School, you will find that you have more control over your journey. Stay organized, manage your time well, and be proactive in your learning. The choices you make now will help shape the experience you have, so take responsibility for your path, and remember that you are in charge of your success.

Remember, transitions are a big part of growing up, and this is just one of the many exciting changes you will experience. You’ve got this, and we’re all here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you all the best as you start this exciting new chapter!

We are pleased to announce the introduction of a Weekly Boarding option at both our Tatu City Boys and Tatu City Girls Campuses. This allows our families more flexibility in our boarding arrangements. This new option will complement our existing full boarding and day school offerings, and is exclusively available to our Junior School.

 

Important Details

• Weekly Schedule: During the term, students will remain in school from Monday morning to Friday afternoon.
• Student Pick-up and Drop-off: Families who opt into the weekly boarding option are required to pick up their child at 4:30pm on Fridays and return them to school by 7:00am on Mondays.
• Transport Services: Please note that we are not offering transport services at this stage for weekly boarders. We request families to make private arrangements for their child’s pick-up and drop-off.
• Weekend Extensions: For families who wish to extend their child’s stay beyond the normal weekly boarding days (to remain at school over the weekend), an additional fee of Kshs. 5,500 will apply for each weekend spent at school. The fee is applicable to any students not picked up on Friday (at the end of the official school day).

Kindly find 2025 Weekly Boarding fees for Tatu City Boys detailed here and for Tatu City Girls detailed here.  

 

Enroling for the Weekly Boarding Option

If you are interested in enroling your child in the Weekly Boarding programme, please write to admissions.ke@novapioneer.com. 

We believe that this option will provide an excellent balance for families who would like their children to experience the benefits of school life during the week while also maintaining the flexibility of weekend home life. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to welcoming your child to the 2025 academic year!