West Nairobi School

Set on a steep site adjacent to a river along the lower boundary, West Nairobi School is a beautiful exhibition of molding the earth lightly and sustainably. With a strict planning regulation permitting only ground floor plus one level up, Msaada Architects cleverly laid out the first buildings on campus in a manner that set the pace for additional buildings across the entire site years later. There is a clear intention to integrate natural surroundings with the built environment, keeping indoor spaces naturally bright and fresh, and providing thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces for dining, recreation and social engagements.

“The buildings are beautiful and culturally appropriate. This has made it easier for us to maintain a similar look across campus as we expand.”  Todd Clark, Director of Finance and Facilities

West Nairobi School is a K-12 Christian school with a North American curriculum attended by children of diplomats, expatriates, business people, Kenyan families, and missionaries. The school was founded in 1996, moved to its current location in 2000, and became part of the Network of International Christian Schools in 2003. Msaada has designed several buildings on the hilly campus, including classrooms and a dining pavilion. Future projects include an auditorium.