THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION FOUNDATION
ABOUT US
Complementary Schools Foundation works in Nairobi’s informal settlements, where families depend on low-cost private schools that operate with limited resources and face persistent challenges in governance, fee collection, teacher support, and infrastructure. Our mission is to empower these complementary schools to provide sustainable, cost-effective, high-quality education by strengthening their financial viability and improving leadership and teaching practices. We deliver integrated, school-wide support that focuses on systems, people, and performance, avoiding one-off donations and complex, burdensome programmes. The approach has driven measurable improvements in pupil assessment outcomes, growth in enrolment, higher revenues, and reduced operating costs, creating room for bursaries and continued reinvestment. Our pilot at Elite Heritage School illustrates the impact: enrolment increased from roughly 400 to about 1,200 pupils in under three years, and digitisation enabled bank financing for a major new build.
The Ways We Help
We install an affordable desktop computer (approximately $600) fitted with basic school-management software. This improves financial record-keeping and fee collection, strengthens internal controls, and enables more reliable and timely payroll and procurement decisions.
In partnership with WERK and Dignitas, we deliver structured professional development for teachers and school leaders. The programme focuses on effective classroom practice, data-informed leadership, and implementation of the national curriculum, with the objective of raising instructional quality and whole-school performance.
We equip ICT and science laboratories to align with the requirements of the national curriculum. Access to appropriate facilities enhances teaching and learning, supports practical assessment, and helps schools attract and retain enrolment, thereby strengthening their financial position.
We supply core textbooks and essential learning resources to support lesson planning and delivery. Adequate materials ensure curriculum coverage, promote effective study habits, and enable pupils to prepare for national examinations with confidence.
Installation of high-efficiency institutional stoves reduces firewood consumption by roughly 60%. Integrated flues vent harmful smoke safely, improving health conditions for kitchen staff and pupils while lowering operating costs and sustaining school feeding programmes.
Provision of bulk water storage allows schools to purchase from local bowsers at significantly reduced rates, generating savings of up to 85% compared with jerrycan purchases. Reliable on-site storage also secures supply for cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.
Solar panel systems with battery storage substantially reduce electricity expenditure and stabilise supply. Savings can be redirected to educational priorities while ensuring continuity of essential school services.
Through our microfinance partner, schools gain access to appropriately structured capital for priority investments such as classroom expansion and transport. This financing accelerates infrastructure improvements and supports a pathway to operational self-reliance.
We provide reliable, dignified menstrual hygiene support, pads (reusable or disposable per school policy), brief education, and proper disposal, so girls can attend consistently, protect their health, and participate fully in learning.