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M-PESA Foundation Academy

Kenya, Thika

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 480
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2016
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Swahili, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Founded as a co-educational, residential high school in Kenya, M-PESA Foundation Academy serves students with leadership potential, irrespective of means. The 88-acre campus includes student residences, classrooms and laboratories, a resource centre, 800-seat auditorium, along with athletic fields and outdoor learning spaces. Academically, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), complemented by a Bespoke Curriculum. It plans to introduce the Competency-Based Curriculum Senior Secondary in 2026 with three pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM, all emphasising practical skills, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. A dedicated careers team guides pathway choices, while a life-skills pre-university programme supports life after school. The school benefits from M-PESA Foundation funding and a charitable framework. The on-site resource centre provides Britannica School and Gale access; the Access & Inclusion program removes barriers to full participation. Sport, performing arts, and service activities enrich co-curricular life.

The Essentials

M-PESA Foundation Academy has 480 pupils, typical class sizes of 24.

Location
The Academy is located along Thika-Mang'u Road, 6 kilometres off the Thika Superhighway, Kiambu County, Kenya. It is approximately 45 minutes outside Nairobi. The campus spans 88 acres and includes student residences, classrooms, laboratories, co-curricular facilities, a resource centre and an 800-seat auditorium.

Stages
The Academy offers a three-year residential education programme.

Type
Residential high school offering the Kenyan national curriculum.

Additional learning support
Supplementary subjects are offered to fulfil students' other educational needs.

Country affiliation
Kenya
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Three-year residential (boarding) programme. Student residences are on an 88-acre campus about 45 minutes outside Nairobi.

Food Options
A flagship kitchen offers a well-curated menu with healthy meal options, fresh fruits and desserts. Dining is a communal experience in Maankuli Hall.

Governance and Ownership
The Academy is a state-of-the-art, co-educational, residential high school. It is governed by a Board of Governors, and led by an Executive Head of School and Director of Operations, supported by a leadership team.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no application fee charged to applicants. Submission of the official application form does not require payment; applications are processed without an admission fee.

Tuition fees by year group (term / annual)
- The Academy does not charge tuition fees for any year group. Students admitted to the three‑year residential programme receive fully funded tuition and educational provision; there are no termly or annual tuition charges.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The Academy does not issue a tuition billing schedule because no tuition, boarding or academic fees are payable by parents or guardians. There are no termly or annual fee invoices for tuition to be paid to the Academy.

Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is provided as part of the residential programme and no boarding fees are charged to students or families. Accommodation and residential programme costs are covered under the Academy's full funding.

Other costs or fees (uniforms, travel, extras)
- The only cost explicitly required of parents is payment for student travel to and from the Academy; parents are responsible for arranging and covering travel expenses. No other mandatory fees (such as tuition, boarding, or application fees) are levied. The Academy does not publish any mandatory fee for uniforms or similar items in its fee statements; families should plan only for travel-related expenses unless otherwise instructed in individual admission communications.

Refund information
- Refund procedures for tuition or boarding fees are not applicable because the Academy does not charge these fees.

Fee payment options
- No tuition or boarding payments are required; therefore the Academy does not provide payment channels for such fees. Payment arrangements relating to student travel are managed by parents and are not part of the Academy's fee collection processes.
Academics

M-PESA Foundation Academy teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
The school currently offers International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It intends to introduce the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Senior Secondary in 2026 and is well equipped to offer all three CBC pathways namely: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The CBC pathways are offered with an emphasis on practical skills, critical thinking and real-world problem solving. Students are assessed through continuous assessment tests, practical projects and prepared for national exams, with guidance from the careers department on pathways and career choices. Tertiary Education Support is provided through a bespoke life-skills pre-university curriculum that supports learners for life after high school and into higher education. The Academy serves talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated leadership potential.

Higher Education Progression
The Academy provides tertiary education support to assist graduates in transitioning to higher education and related pathways. It offers a bespoke life-skills pre-university curriculum designed to prepare learners for life after high school and for tertiary studies.

Gifted and Talented
The Academy targets talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated leadership potential. Admissions assess leadership potential and include evaluation of creativity, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking as part of the selection criteria.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Programme that nurtures social and servant leadership, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and project-based problem solving through real-world challenges.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Academy offers supplementary subjects to fulfil students' other educational needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Group I includes English and Kiswahili; Group V offers French and German; English is a core subject in the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The wellness team oversees the overall wellness of students, staff and faculty; wellness coaches design programmes to support mental health and maintain a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy; safeguarding procedures aim to keep learners safe and teach them to stay safe; adults in the school community follow expected behaviours when working with children; safeguarding aligns with national laws.
Parent Experience

History
The M-PESA Foundation Academy is a modern, co-educational, residential high school. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). The academy serves talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated leadership potential. It operates as a school with a charitable foundation and is funded by the M-PESA Foundation. The 88-acre campus includes student residences, well-designed classrooms and laboratories, a resource center and an 800-seat auditorium.

Community
The School fosters leadership through a Student Leadership Programme and a Student Council, which includes a General Council (House Captains and Residential Coordinators) and an Executive Council (Head Boy and Head Girl, Deputies, Year Leads). The Student Council serves as the official student leadership body, organizing activities and acting as a link between staff and students while engaging the broader community. The Alumni Association maintains ongoing engagement with graduates and holds an annual Alumni Leadership Conference in collaboration with the MFA Alumni Association. Inter-school events and sports competitions are part of community life, including events such as the Thika Opens and basketball matches.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 88 acres with student residences, well designed classrooms and laboratories. It offers modern facilities prioritising comfort, safety, security, and ease of access. The facility includes athletic fields, outdoor learning areas, and ample parking. It can host events in spacious indoor and outdoor venues for sports tournaments, weddings, conferences, youth camps, or music concerts, supported by a dedicated team. It also features a state-of-the-art resource centre and an 800-seat auditorium.

Sports Facilities
The academy provides sport experiences in a safe and enjoyable environment with a focus on performance development and physical literacy. A team of experienced coaches delivers training and competition aligned with long-term performance development. The school has represented teams at national and East Africa competitions, and some learners have been part of national youth teams. Sport programmes include Football, Basketball, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, Squash, Volleyball, Badminton, Karate, and Rugby.

Academic Facilities
Learning that shapes lives describes our approach to education, blending international best practices with local relevance for a holistic experience. We offer International Baccalaureate programmes, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). The Diploma Programme core includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), with 3–4 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects. Our fully equipped resource centre supports research, reading, and collaboration, with access to Britannica School and Gale, open weeknights and Saturdays. An Access & Inclusion program supports full participation in all academic activities by removing barriers and providing accommodations.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular programme provides inclusive, enriching opportunities in sports, performing arts, leadership, and service. Our Sports include Football, Basketball, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, Netball, Hockey, Golf, Volleyball, Badminton, Handball, Karate, Rugby, and Table Tennis. Our Clubs encompass Ace Club, Art Club, Steam Club, Board Games Club, Debate Club, Rotary Interact Club, Fitness Club, Creative Media Club, Model United Nations, Writers Club, and more. The President's Award – Kenya is part of the programme, guiding students from Bronze to Gold levels through community service, adventure, physical fitness, and leadership. Performing Arts nurture talents in music, dance, and theatre, with one-on-one music instruction for instruments such as violin, cello, guitar, harp, trumpet, and drums, plus school-wide dance and theatre performances.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers co-curricular activities that support academic and intellectual growth. The Steam Club and Science & Engineering Club provide hands-on projects and problem-solving experiences. The I-Genius Club and Model United Nations develop critical thinking, research, and collaboration. The Debate Club strengthens communication and analytical skills.

Arts & Creative
The school has a Performing Arts program that nurtures talents in music, dance, and theatre. Learners receive one-on-one music instruction and explore instruments such as the violin, cello, guitar, harp, trumpet, and drums. Dance training builds expression, rhythm, and confidence, showcased in school-wide events. Art Club and Creative Media Club provide spaces for visual arts and media creation.

Cultural & Language
The school has Model United Nations and Debate Club to develop international awareness and language skills. Rotary Interact Club offers service and leadership opportunities with a global outlook. Writers Club provides a platform for creative writing and cross-cultural communication.

Social & Hobbies
The school has a range of social and hobby clubs that foster community and shared interests. Board Games Club and Unmasked Club offer informal, social outlets. Scouts Clubs provide outdoor activities and teamwork experiences. Lets ENT. Club supports entrepreneurship-minded collaboration.

Community & Service
The school has The President's Award – Kenya as a core youth development program. From their first year, all students participate, progressing Bronze to Gold levels. Participants gain skills in community service, adventure, physical fitness, and leadership.

Leadership & Professional
The school has leadership development embedded in its co-curricular programme. The President's Award provides leadership opportunities and skills. The Lets ENT. Club and Innovation & Entrepreneurship offerings support entrepreneurship and professional growth.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has an extensive sports programme including football, basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis, netball, hockey, golf, volleyball, badminton, handball, karate, rugby, and table tennis. Fitness Club and a broad range of team sports promote physical activity and well-being. Team sports foster resilience, discipline, and teamwork.
Languages

Language Provision
English A and Kiswahili literature are taught as language and literature. Language acquisition courses available in French B: SL or Abinitio, German B: SL or Abinitio, Mandarin B: SL or Abinitio, and Spanish B: SL or Abinitio.
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Opening Doors to Opportunity: Each year, the Academy welcomes bright, ambitious students into a three-year residential education programme, seeking Thinkers, Doers & Leaders with potential, drive, and a passion for change.
2. Who Can Apply: Applications are open to students in their final year of junior secondary education (Grade 9 or equivalent) aged 14–16 at entry; demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential; come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds; and be committed to community service and responsible citizenship. Refugee students duly registered in Kenya are welcome.
3. Our Selection Criteria: Academic performance; leadership and entrepreneurship potential; financial need; critical thinking and problem-solving skills; community engagement.
4. Annual Application Instructions: How to Apply: Applicants must fill out the official application form themselves; incomplete forms or outdated versions will not be accepted.
5. Required Documents: Birth certificate; Parent/guardian ID; Death certificate (if applicable); Academic transcripts (Grade 7, 8—and 9 if available); Co-curricular and leadership certificates; Parent/guardian payslip (if employed); Any other relevant supporting documents.
6. Important Notes: Fill in all sections clearly using your own handwriting; write your full name at the top of each page; do not include extra pages; only shortlisted applicants will be contacted; all submitted information will be verified.
7. Admission independence: Admission to the Academy is independent of the national placement system.
8. 2026 Admissions: 2026 admissions are now open; CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 APPLICATION FORM.

Scholarships
Citizens of the Future (CoF) scholarship programme provides full scholarship opportunities for senior school education, funded by a partnership between Safaricom Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation. Successful applicants may be supported at the M-PESA Foundation Academy or other schools in Kenya, with inclusive access to education and a focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation; the programme aims to reach over 30,000 learners by 2035. Application forms are available online at mpesafoundationacademy.ac.ke and citizenofthefuture.org, with an application deadline of May 15, 2026 for the January 2027 cycle; selections consider Academic Excellence, Financial Need, Leadership potential, Creativity/Innovation/Entrepreneurship, and Desirable values, discipline & behaviour, with the completion of the form not guaranteeing sponsorship and only shortlisted candidates contacted.

Full scholarship opportunities are now available through the Citizens of the Future Programme, a partnership between Safaricom Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation, driving equitable access to quality education and nurturing Kenya's next generation of innovators and leaders. The Academy offers a competency-based education (CBE) curriculum to talented yet economically disadvantaged learners through CoF. The programme emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation and aims to fund senior school education; it is a nationwide effort to expand inclusive access to education. Applications for the 2026 cycle open with deadlines and submission channels noted above.

The Higher Education Scholarship described by the Academy provides need-based, four-year post-secondary education scholarships, including tuition and living stipends, at Rise partner universities such as Davidson College (US), Imperial College London, Durham University, Northwestern University, University of Edinburgh, Vanderbilt University, among others. This opportunity has been highlighted in the Academy's announcements of scholarship recipients and related news.
School Events
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