Kenya's Private Schools Boom as Owners Embrace New Financing

Private schools in Kenya are experiencing a remarkable boom, fueled by innovative financing models that are redefining what it takes to run a profitable business in the education sector. According to the 2025 Economic Survey, the country now boasts a vibrant network of private institutions, including 15,205 pre-primary schools, 11,739 primary schools, and 1,267 secondary schools. 

This growth reflects significant market confidence, with recent investments including an Ksh80 million injection into a Ruiru school by a property development firm, and a recent expansion by a South African multinational to acquire a number of private schools in Nairobi. 

While the proliferation of private schools is not entirely new, the flow of investment and the innovative solutions now available in the Kenyan market is unprecedented. At the height of the pandemic, just four years ago, 7,000 primary and secondary schools shut down permanently. This was largely due to a capital problem - made worse by a financial system that did not see much in the business of education. 

The entry of flexible funding and financing solutions that better align with school revenue cycles has made it easy for school owners and directors. Take Joseph Kungu, director of Oaktree Schools, for example.

Kungu wanted to expand and relocate his institution but struggled to access capital. “We wanted a bigger space because of our growth, and we were looking for financial support,” he said. “At the time, we did not have an office block, our classrooms were not tiled, we lacked enough furniture, and our computer lab was not operational.”

Many school directors faced similar challenges. Traditional lenders often offer loans with strict monthly repayments, which don’t match the termly income schools generate. This had made conventional financing difficult for education entrepreneurs.

Kungu’s breakthrough came when he partnered with Jackfruit Finance, the financial arm of the Jackfruit Network. The organisation is pioneering financial products that are exclusively and specifically made for private schools. 

Jackfruit not only approved Kungu’s funding request but it also structured repayments to align with the school calendar, meaning the loan would be repaid termly as opposed to monthly in line with school fees collection.

 “I appreciate the simplicity of how they operate. The documentation is easy, the customer care is excellent, and I do not have to leave the office to complete the process,” he said.

Read more: Get Up to Ksh9 Million to Expand Your Private School With Jackfruit Finance

Other school directors report similar experiences. The director of Katso School noted, “I struggled before I found Jackfruit Finance. Other financiers did not understand my needs”

Ndwaru School’s director reiterated the importance of termly repayments. “The loan was easy to manage because it is repaid termly when school fees are collected.”

Long school holidays, such as the Christmas break, provide opportunities for schools to renovate and invest in facilities. Jackfruit Finance’s Project and Asset Loan is designed specifically for this period, supporting upgrades like classroom expansions, improved dormitories and administrative blocks, and the purchase of school buses or vans.

A Hub Manager at Jackfruit Finance explains the approach: “We bring in partners who share our vision for education. They provide services and products that streamline operations, improve infrastructure, and support school growth. We vet these partners to ensure quality. The hub gives school directors a one-stop solution accessible from the comfort of their office.”

For Green Angels Academy, the partnership has been transformational. “Since Jackfruit Finance came in, they’ve supported us in acquiring computers, setting up science laboratories, and advancing to higher levels of education,” the director said.

Currently, Jackfruit Finance offers loans of up to Ksh9 million, with approvals in as little as 48 hours. Schools also gain access to the Jackfruit Hub, a marketplace linking them to trusted suppliers for items ranging from desks to learning software. Additionally, the Jackfruit Foundation provides teacher training and supports sustainable, equitable education.

How to Grow With Jackfruit‍

Jackfruit Finance is designed for speed and simplicity, helping schools access funds quickly during long holiday planning windows.

School owners or directors can qualify for the Project and Asset Loan. Register to learn more.