KCSE Top Performers, Global Innovators – How Nova Pioneer Is Redefining Education in Kenya

When Kon Lual Ajok and Ian Mwadiloh sat for their KCSE examinations as part of Nova Pioneer’s Class of 2025, they were not just preparing to pass exams. They were also building a solution to a real-world governance challenge, one that has now placed them on the global stage. The

When Kon Lual Ajok and Ian Mwadiloh sat for their KCSE examinations as part of Nova Pioneer’s Class of 2025, they were not just preparing to pass exams. They were also building a solution to a real-world governance challenge, one that has now placed them on the global stage.

The two alumni from Nova Pioneer Eldoret Boys Campus emerged as the overall winners of the Young Scientist Kenya 2025 competition, beating teams from across the country with their innovation, Afronomy Chain. Both students scored A- in KCSE, demonstrating that academic excellence and innovation can go hand in hand.

This January, Kon and Ian represented Kenya in Ireland at the Stripe Young Scientists & Technology Exhibition, marking a major international milestone for the young men.

 

Innovation Born in the Classroom

Afronomy Chain is a blockchain-powered government services platform designed to ensure transparency, immutable records, and public accountability for public transactions. What makes the project remarkable is not just its technical sophistication but where it began.

The idea was developed during Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership programme, which is deliberately integrated into both the Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Cambridge curricula offered by the school.

“At Nova Pioneer, innovation is not an extracurricular activity, it is part of how learning happens. Students apply what they are learning in class to real problems facing society,” said Dr. London Moore, Nova Pioneer’s Senior Director of Schools..

Through structured innovation sprints, design thinking, and leadership coaching, students are guided to connect core curriculum content such as mathematics, sciences, humanities, and digital literacy with real-world application.

 

Bridging CBE, Cambridge, and Real-World Skills

Nova Pioneer intentionally runs both CBE and Cambridge pathways, while maintaining a unified philosophy: education must prepare students for a world that does not yet exist.

Rather than treating special programmes as add-ons, the school integrates them into core learning.

“Whether a student is on the CBE or Cambridge pathway, they go through the same innovation and leadership experiences. This ensures that all students develop problem-solving, ethical leadership, and global citizenship alongside academic mastery,” explained Hillary Tum, Principal at Nova Pioneer’s Eldoret Boys Campus. 

For Kon and Ian, this approach made all the difference.

“We were encouraged to think beyond grades and ask, ‘What problem are we solving? Afronomy Chain came from that mindset; using what we learn in school to create impact,”  said Kon Lual Ajok.

“The Innovation and Leadership classes helped us turn an idea into something practical. We learned how to research, test, refine, and present our solution confidently,” Ian Mwadiloh added.

 

Beyond Exam: Preparing Global Citizens

While many schools focus almost exclusively on exam outcomes, Nova Pioneer deliberately invests in additional programmes that prepare students for leadership, entrepreneurship, and global relevance.

The success of Kon and Ian illustrates the power of this model. Their KCSE results reflect academic rigour, while their international recognition highlights skills that traditional schooling alone rarely produces; critical thinking, collaboration, and solution-driven leadership.

“Academic excellence is important, but it is not enough on its own. Our goal is to develop students who can apply knowledge, lead with integrity, and compete globally,” said Andrew Meraba, Principal at Nova Pioneer’s Tatu City Boys campus.

 

Setting a New Standard for Education in Kenya

Kon Lual Ajok and Ian Mwadiloh’s journey reflects a broader shift in what education can and should be.

Nova Pioneer’s integrated approach that combines strong academics, innovation, and leadership development across both CBE and Cambridge pathways is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future.

To learn more about the opportunities available to our students, click here to sign up for our Open Day.

 

Raising Our Flags, Honouring Our Heroes: A Celebration of Diversity and Possibility at Nova Pioneer Tatu City

On a bright and meaningful Monday morning, 26th January 2026, at Nova Pioneer Tatu City Primary and International, our community gathered for a special moment of reflection and pride: the raising of flags representing the nationalities of students who call our campus home. Each flag fluttering above our grounds tells

A group photo of the Burns Brothers with the Tatu Primary & International Leadership team and Parents.

On a bright and meaningful Monday morning, 26th January 2026, at Nova Pioneer Tatu City Primary and International, our community gathered for a special moment of reflection and pride: the raising of flags representing the nationalities of students who call our campus home.

Each flag fluttering above our grounds tells a story of identity, belonging, heritage, and possibility. Together, they reflect what Nova Pioneer stands for: rooted in Africa, confident in Kenya, and boldly connected to the world.

 

More Than Flags: A Living Lesson in Global Citizenship

Raising the flags was not simply a ceremonial act. It was a powerful, visible reminder to our students that:

  • Their identities are valued and celebrated
  • Their perspectives matter
  • Their futures are not confined by borders

At Nova Pioneer, students learn deeply about Kenya and Africa and they are challenged to think globally, act boldly, and solve problems that matter at scale.

This balance of local grounding and global ambition is at the heart of our education model.

 

Honouring Black Excellence: The Burns Brothers Homeroom

As part of this celebration, we also marked a special milestone: the naming of one of our homerooms after the Burns Brothers; American entrepreneurs, investors, and authors whose work and values strongly align with Nova Pioneer’s mission.

The Burns Brothers are owners of HQ House in Tatu City, Kenya, and operate across multiple businesses spanning investment, infrastructure, and the creative economy. Their decision to invest in Kenya is deeply intentional and values-driven.

Their work in the region centres on:

  • Creating opportunities and jobs
  • Growing local businesses through investment
  • Supporting the export of Kenyan products to global markets
  • Investing in the creative industry

At its core, their philosophy is about partnership; working with African talent, ideas, and ambition to unlock sustainable economic growth.

 

Inspired to Learn Locally and Think Global Impact

When the Burns Brothers spoke to our students, the impact was immediate and profound. Their message was clear: excellence is possible from anywhere, and global impact often starts with deep local understanding.

This mindset, confidence without limitation, ambition with purpose, is exactly what Nova Pioneer’s Innovation & Leadership Programme is designed to cultivate.

It is also why the Burns Brothers are such a natural fit within our learning community.

 

The Continuum of Change: Ideas That Shape Leaders

The Burns Brothers are also authors of The Continuum of Change, a book that explores how intentional leadership, strategic thinking, and long-term vision can drive meaningful transformation in individuals, organisations, and societies.

These ideas resonate deeply with our approach to education. At Nova Pioneer, leadership is not about titles; it is about agency, responsibility, and action. Our students are taught that change is not a single moment, it is a continuum they can step into and shape.

 

Why We Name Homerooms After African Heroes

At Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary & International, every homeroom is named after an African hero or a leader of African descent. This is a deliberate and powerful choice.

We do this to:

  • Centre African excellence and achievement
  • Provide students with real, relatable role models
  • Challenge narrow narratives about who shapes the world
  • Remind students to think boldly, and lead with impact

By surrounding students with these stories every day, we reinforce a simple truth: greatness is not distant or abstract, it is possible, practical, and within reach.

The Burns Brothers stand comfortably among these heroes. They represent modern Black excellence; entrepreneurial, globally connected, values-driven, and committed to uplifting others.

 

Rooted Here. Ready for the World.

As the flags rose above our Tatu City Primary & International campus, they told a collective story of diversity, dignity, and direction.

At Nova Pioneer Tatu City Primary & International, our students are:

  • Proud of who they are
  • Grounded and equipped to lead, innovate, and build for a world that doesn’t yet exist

Every day, through moments like these, we remind them: the world is wide, and they belong in it, not as spectators, but as shapers of the future.

Beyond Exams: How Nova Pioneer’s Learning Model Prepares Students to Thrive in a Changing World

For decades, success in school has been narrowly defined by exam results. Students memorise content, reproduce it under pressure, and move on; often without fully understanding themselves, the world around them, or how to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom. But the world our children are growing into demands

For decades, success in school has been narrowly defined by exam results. Students memorise content, reproduce it under pressure, and move on; often without fully understanding themselves, the world around them, or how to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom.

But the world our children are growing into demands far more.

At Nova Pioneer, education is intentionally designed to move beyond rote learning and exam preparation alone. While academic excellence remains a critical foundation, it is not the end goal. What sets Nova Pioneer apart is a unique learning model that equips students with the critical thinking skills, character, and confidence needed to succeed in school, beyond high school, and across the world.

 

Strong Academics, Consistently Delivered

Nova Pioneer’s approach works and the results confirm it.

In 2025, Nova Pioneer students across its CBE and 8-4-4 pathways in Kenya delivered strong performance in the national KPSEA, KJSEA, and KCSE examinations, reflecting both academic rigour and depth of understanding.

Athi River 2025 KPSEA Results 

Tatu City 2025 KPSEA Results

2025 KJSEA Results

2025 KCSE Results

Across its Athi River, Eldoret, and Tatu City (Kiambu) campuses, students demonstrated:

  • Strong subject mastery
  • Consistent performance across schools and cohorts
  • Positive progression outcomes at key national assessment points

This consistency across all Nova Pioneer schools offering CBE & 8-4-4 underscores a critical truth: when students are taught to think deeply and apply knowledge meaningfully, academic success follows naturally.

 

Learning That Goes Beyond Rote Memorisation

Nova Pioneer offers both Kenya’s National Curriculum (CBE & 8-4-4) and Cambridge pathways, unified by a shared philosophy that learning should develop the whole child.

From early childhood through high school, students are immersed in best-practice approaches such as:

  • Exploration and inquiry-based learning
  • Innovation and Leadership programmes infused into the core curriculum
  • Collaborative classrooms that elevate student voice
  • Real-world problem solving and reflection

Rather than teaching students what to think, Nova Pioneer focuses on teaching them how to think; ensuring learners do not become trapped in rote learning designed only to pass exams.

 

Integrated Programmes, Not Add-Ons

At Nova Pioneer, programmes such as Innovation and Leadership are not extracurricular activities; they are intentionally embedded into both the CBE/8-4-4 and Cambridge curricula.

Students apply what they learn in mathematics, sciences, humanities, and technology to real-world challenges. They learn to research, test ideas, collaborate, lead ethically, and iterate solutions.

This integration strengthens (not distracts from) academic performance, helping students develop:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Confidence and leadership
  • A sense of purpose and agency

 

From Classroom to Life After School

Academic success is only meaningful if it opens doors.

Through Nova Pioneer’s Post-School Success Programme, students are supported to transition confidently beyond high school through:

  • Career and pathway exploration
  • University and college preparation
  • Scholarship guidance
  • Leadership development and global exposure

This ensures students graduate with clarity, not just certificates.

 

A Culture of Collaboration and Student Voice

Nova Pioneer classrooms are deliberately student-centred. Learners engage in discussion, collaboration, and reflection, developing confidence to express ideas and respect diverse perspectives.

Teachers act as facilitators and coaches, creating environments where curiosity is encouraged and learning is active. These are key drivers of both academic success and personal growth.

This culture begins as early as age three and continues through to high school graduation, ensuring learners grow steadily in confidence, capability, and independence.

 

Global Outcomes That Speak for Themselves

In just 11 years since launch, Nova Pioneer has graduated over 1,500 high school students.

These alumni have gone on to secure placements and scholarships at top universities around the world, including Ivy League institutions such as Princeton and Caltech, as well as leading universities across Africa, Europe, and North America.

These outcomes reflect more than strong grades; they reflect globally competitive, adaptable young leaders.

 

Investing in Teachers to Transform Learning

Exceptional student outcomes begin with exceptional teaching.

Nova Pioneer invests heavily in its educators, providing over 100 hours of professional development annually to teachers across Kenya and South Africa. This continuous investment ensures classrooms are led by teachers equipped with the best instructional practices and aligned to the school’s future-focused philosophy.

 

Choosing a School Intentionally

For parents, choosing a school is one of the most important decisions they will make. It requires looking beyond tradition and asking deeper questions:

  • Will this school prepare my child for a changing, global world?
  • Does it build skills for life and not just exams?
  • Does it deliver strong academic outcomes and holistic development?
  • Does it invest in teachers and innovative learning practices?

Nova Pioneer exists for families who want more.

By combining strong performance in KPSEA, KJSEA, and KCSE, with a learning model that emphasises critical thinking, innovation, leadership, and global readiness, Nova Pioneer has established itself as one of the leading schools in Kenya.

It is a school where students learn to think, to lead, and to thrive, anywhere in the world.

To learn more about the opportunities available to our students, click here to sign up for our Open Day.

Nova Pioneer and DEG Impulse Announce Partnership to Drive Africa’s Growth

  Nova Pioneer, in collaboration with DEG Impulse and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, is proud to announce a transformative partnership to launch the Post School Success Digital Platform (PSSP). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to reshape how young people across Africa prepare for their futures; bridging

 

Nova Pioneer Co-founder and CEO, Chinezi Chijioke, in Germany at the signing of a landmark partnership with DEG Impulse and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to launch the Post School Success Platform.

Nova Pioneer, in collaboration with DEG Impulse and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, is proud to announce a transformative partnership to launch the Post School Success Digital Platform (PSSP). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to reshape how young people across Africa prepare for their futures; bridging the gap from secondary school, through tertiary study, and into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.

A New Era of Post-School Success

The PSSP builds on Nova Pioneer’s well-established Post School Success (PSS) programme, which has empowered students for over a decade. The new PSSP partnership builds upon the current programme by launching three powerful innovations:

  • An AI-powered digital cockpit and coach to empower students to plan, prepare for and successfully navigate their post-secondary paths
  • Online learning courses designed to equip students to thrive in life beyond secondary school
  • A suite of in-person programmes, to connect students and recent graduates with preparation, peers and opportunities 

“This partnership advances our mission by enabling us to amplify the reach of our Post School Success programmes 1,000x over time! It also provides a means through which we can provide multi-faceted and continued support for our own students and alumni, supporting their journeys through tertiary study, into first employment or entrepreneurship, and even beyond,” said Chinezi Chijioke, Nova Pioneer Co-Founder and CEO, at the partnership signing.

Expanding Access and Impact

With a community of over 6,000 students across Kenya and South Africa, Nova Pioneer is committed to reaching even more learners. Over the next three years, more than 15,000 secondary school students and graduates will benefit from access to the PSSP tool, resources, and programmes.

For the past 11 years, Nova Pioneer’s Innovation & Leadership and Post School Success programmes have equipped students to solve real-world problems, develop entrepreneurial solutions, and lead with purpose. These efforts have opened doors to scholarships and placements at over 100 leading universities worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Collectively, graduates have secured millions of dollars in scholarships to pursue their dreams.

A Shared Vision for Africa’s Future

This new partnership with DEG Impulse and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development reflects a powerful truth: when Africa’s innovators collaborate with global institutions, the impact multiplies. By combining technology, networks, and shared vision, young Africans can step confidently into their futures—equipped not just with knowledge, but with the courage, skills, and connections to lead.

The Nova Pioneer–DEG Impulse partnership is more than an investment in education. It’s an investment in Africa’s future.

 

Connections: The Nova Pioneer Way

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in the 3Cs that shape tomorrow’s African leaders: Character, Capabilities, and Connections. This August, our Tatu City Girls ticked off the third in style at the Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp. For 10 unforgettable days, they explored vibrant cities, top universities, and cultures that stretched

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in the 3Cs that shape tomorrow’s African leaders: Character, Capabilities, and Connections. This August, our Tatu City Girls ticked off the third in style at the Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp. For 10 unforgettable days, they explored vibrant cities, top universities, and cultures that stretched their horizons.

Nova Pioneer IEC Camp students arrive in Malaysia

From Putrajaya to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Genting Highlands, and even Singapore, our students discovered what it means to be globally ready.

They didn’t just sit in classrooms—they engaged in robotics workshops, stepped into medical simulation labs, cracked marketing challenges, and tested their skills in engineering. Every activity gave them hands-on exposure to courses that connect directly to their passions.

UNIVERSITY VISITS

Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp students visit University of Cyberjaya

University of Cyberjaya

Located in the city’s IT district, this university impressed our learners with its strong commitment to sustainability and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus on medical studies gave them valuable insights into healthcare education.

Students explored advanced simulation labs for medicine and nursing, which sparked interest among those considering careers in healthcare. They also had the rare opportunity to view plastinated human bones and cadavers used in practical training—an eye-opening glimpse into real medical practice.

Xiamen University

Xiamen University stood out for its size, facilities, and international orientation. With its own hotel, the country’s largest research library, and a spacious campus, it offered students a sense of scale and infrastructure found in world-class institutions.

Heriot-Watt University

Here, learners took part in a fun robotics challenge. Working in teams, they built robots from small parts and manuals, then put them to the test in a balloon-bursting competition. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Each student proudly received a certificate to mark their achievement.

Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp students visit INTI International University

INTI International University

INTI showcased its strong focus on engineering and technology. The campus featured cutting-edge facilities such as 3D printers and solar-powered energy systems, reflecting its commitment to the SDGs.

Students also completed a personality assessment designed to match courses with their strengths and interests. The activity gave them personal insights into future study paths. At the end, they each received a certificate of participation.

Nova Pioneer students robotics workshop IEC Malaysia Camp

University of Wollongong Malaysia

The visit began with a tour of outstanding facilities in culinary arts and engineering. Afterwards, students joined an interactive workshop where they coded and programmed robotic cars to race along a runway.  The event ended in a friendly competition, with winners taking home awards. It was an exciting way to experience STEM in action.

Sunway University

At Sunway, students explored a wide range of courses, from Business and Communication to Data Science, Hospitality & Culinary, Mathematical Sciences, and Life Sciences.

To make learning practical, the university hosted an activity on social media marketing. Learners examined how brands reach consumers using “push” and “pull” strategies. This exercise highlighted both the opportunities and challenges businesses face in gaining market visibility, especially with limited resources.

Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp students visit Taylor's University

Taylor’s University

Taylor’s is globally recognised for excellence in Culinary Arts. During the visit, students also saw engineering learners at work, using carpentry and design skills to build a boat for an upcoming competition. This highlighted the diversity of skills available at the institution—from kitchens to workshops—and inspired our students with its blend of creativity and technical expertise.

University of Asia Pacific

As Malaysia’s official technology training hub, this university encouraged students to reflect on their daily interests as a way to guide career decisions. The engaging activities gave learners a new perspective on how passions can shape future pathways.

The campus tour added further insights, showing how the institution integrates technology and psychology to prepare graduates for the modern world.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

The Nova Pioneer IEC Malaysia Camp was not only about academics. Students immersed themselves in culture by visiting George Town’s UNESCO heritage sites, temples, and diverse food markets. They also marveled at iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and the dazzling Marina Bay Sands light show.

Nova Pioneer students cultural immersion Nova Pioneer students cultural immersion in Malaysia

ADVENTURE & FUN

Nova Pioneer students' adventure activities Nova Pioneer students' adventure activities

Learning blended seamlessly with adventure. Students raced go-karts at the Sepang Circuit, enjoyed water rides at Sunway Lagoon, went bowling, and soared above Genting Highlands in a cable car. In Singapore, they even stepped into the excitement of the Jurassic World Experience. 

This journey blended academics, culture, and adventure. More importantly, it equipped our students with global awareness, confidence, and inspiration as they prepare for their post-high school journeys.

At Nova Pioneer, we don’t just imagine the future—we empower our students to build it with the tools, experiences, and opportunities that matter.

To learn more about the opportunities available to our students, click here to sign up for our Open Day.

Cambridge Qualifications Are Recognized in Kenya

One of the most frequently asked questions by parents considering the Cambridge international curriculum is: “Will my child still be able to attend university here in Kenya?” The answer is a confident YES, absolutely! Whether your child dreams of attending the University of Nairobi, Strathmore, USIU-Africa, Daystar, or any other

One of the most frequently asked questions by parents considering the Cambridge international curriculum is: “Will my child still be able to attend university here in Kenya?” The answer is a confident YES, absolutely!

Whether your child dreams of attending the University of Nairobi, Strathmore, USIU-Africa, Daystar, or any other recognized Kenyan institution, a Cambridge education does not limit them.

 

Cambridge Qualifications Are Recognized in Kenya

Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications are internationally benchmarked and recognized by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). This means that learners who complete Cambridge A-Levels can apply to both public and private Kenyan universities, just like their counterparts in the 8-4-4 or CBE systems.

What matters most is that the student has met the minimum subject requirements and grades set by the individual university, just like in any curriculum.

 

A Nova Pioneer Advantage:

Innovation & Leadership & Post-School Success Programmes

At Nova Pioneer, Cambridge learners (just like their 8-4-4/CBE counterparts) benefit from more than just academic excellence, they gain future-ready skills through our:

  • Innovation & Leadership Programme: Students explore real-world challenges, develop entrepreneurial thinking, and grow as confident problem-solvers and team leaders.

  • Post-School Success Programme: Offers tailored support with university applications (local and international), career mentorship, and life skills that prepare students for success far beyond graduation.

Whether your child is aiming for Kenyatta University or Harvard, we walk the journey with them; from classroom to campus to career.

Do you have more questions? Sign up here to join our next Open Day. We’d love to host you!

How to Prepare Your Child for CBE Senior School Pathway Selection

As your child approaches the transition into Senior School, you may find yourself asking: “How do I prepare my child to select a pathway aligned to their passion and strengths?” It starts with intentional support, thoughtful pathway selection, and a mindset shift from grades to growth. At Nova Pioneer, we

As your child approaches the transition into Senior School, you may find yourself asking:
“How do I prepare my child to select a pathway aligned to their passion and strengths?”

It starts with intentional support, thoughtful pathway selection, and a mindset shift from grades to growth.

At Nova Pioneer, we walk alongside families as they make this exciting leap. Here’s how you can prepare your child for a smooth and meaningful start to their CBE Senior School journey.

 

1. Understand What CBE Senior School Is Really About

Unlike the traditional 8-4-4 system, CBE is designed to:

  • Equip learners with skills and competencies, not just content
  • Emphasize values, collaboration, and real-world application
  • Allow students to pursue pathways that match their passions and strengths

In short, CBE is not just about what students learn, but how they learn, and why.

Tip for Parents: Shift conversations from “What grade did you get?” to “What did you create? What problem did you solve?”

 

2. Choose the Right Pathway: Passion + Strength = Purpose

CBE Senior School offers three key academic pathways:

  • STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
  • Social Sciences 
  • Arts & Sports Science

The best pathway for your child is one that aligns with:

  • What they are curious about
  • What they naturally excel in
  • What kind of impact they want to have

At Nova Pioneer, we help families reflect on learner profiles and long-term goals before making a pathway decision. No pressure, just guided choice through data from their academic performance and our student strength discovery tool/survey.

 

3. Build Soft Skills Early

CBE Senior School emphasizes skills like:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Digital literacy

You can nurture these at home by encouraging:

  • Journaling and reflection
  • Group problem-solving (even with siblings!)
  • Participation in youth clubs, coding camps, or debate forums
  • Open discussions on current events

4. Encourage Ownership and Independence

Students in Senior School are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. This includes:

  • Setting academic and personal goals
  • Managing their time and assignments
  • Choosing elective subjects and passion projects

Tip for Parents: Support your child to take initiative and ask them to lead family plans (like planning a meal) to build confidence.

 

5. Choose a School That Nurtures More Than Grades

Look for a school that blends academics with:

  • Real-world exposure (internships, service learning)
  • Student leadership opportunities
  • Project-based learning
  • Mentorship and university prep

At Nova Pioneer, we integrate our Innovation and Leadership Programme into every student’s journey, no matter their pathway. We also have a robust Post School Success Programme providing students with personalised guidance on exploring post-secondary options. The programme also provides support & encouragement, Internships & job shadows, Student Exchange Programme.

 Our programmes ensure that our students leave school with more than a certificate; they leave with clarity, skills, and purpose.

Final Word: It’s Not Just a System Change – It’s a Mindset Shift!

Preparing your child for CBE Senior School means helping them see learning as a tool to shape their future, not just a race to pass exams.

Choose a pathway that excites them. Support their strengths. And trust that with the right environment, they will not only succeed, they will thrive.

Explore Nova Pioneer’s Senior School CBE Pathways across our Athi River, Eldoret and Tatu City campuses.

Applications for 2026 are now open. Apply Now! Help your child start strong.

Three Pathways, One Vision

Choosing a Senior School isn’t just about the curriculum. It’s about unlocking your child’s full potential. At Nova Pioneer, we offer all three Senior School Competency Based Education Pathways across our campuses in Kenya – STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science. But here’s what makes us different: no

Choosing a Senior School isn’t just about the curriculum. It’s about unlocking your child’s full potential. At Nova Pioneer, we offer all three Senior School Competency Based Education Pathways across our campuses in Kenya – STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science. But here’s what makes us different: no matter the pathway, every Novaneer is developed as a visionary, ethical leader equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world.

This is more than school, it’s a launchpad!

 

One Vision: Developing Future Leaders

Whether your child chooses to dive into medical sciences, international relations, or digital design, the foundation remains the same: Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme.

We’ve embedded real-world leadership development into our learning experience, helping students build:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • A deep sense of personal agency and ethical leadership
  • The ability to create, innovate, and lead with purpose

This is where passions are nurtured and students grow the capabilities to lead change in Kenya and beyond.

 

Beyond the Classroom: Real-Life Learning

Learning at Nova Pioneer doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our students take part in:

  • Passion Projects and pitch sessions
  • Internship experiences with partner organisations
  • Clubs, competitions, and innovation fairs
  • Community service and leadership camps

These are more than co-curriculars; they are key parts of how we prepare students to tackle real problems, work in diverse teams, and build solutions the world needs.

 

Inside the Classroom: Celebrating Collaboration and Student Voice

Our classrooms are alive with collaboration, not competition. Here, students are challenged to:

  • Think aloud
  • Question everything
  • Lead group problem-solving
  • Co-create knowledge with teachers, not just receive it

And yes, they have a voice. Through feedback circles, class forums, and peer-led initiatives, Novaneers learn early how to advocate, communicate, and lead from where they are.

 

The Destination: Post-School Success

Senior School at Nova Pioneer isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about preparing students for life after school.

Through our Post-School Success Programme, every student receives:

  • University application and scholarship coaching
  • Career exploration workshops and mentorship
  • Personal development support to transition confidently into adult life

Whether they go on to top global universities, local institutions, or launch their own ventures, our goal is the same; to help each student to thrive.

👉 Explore our Senior School CBE Pathways today. Applications for 2026 are now open. 

 

A Tailored Trajectory

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

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

From Dreams to Reality: Marclus Heads to The California Institute of Technology

  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

 

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.