Lycee Francais International Denis Diderot
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$6K - US$18K
Curriculum: French · British
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~600
Location: Kilimani, Nairobi
Updated April 2026
In Brief
LFIDD is the obvious first call for French-speaking families in Nairobi and a genuinely affordable option compared with other top international schools - the government subsidy is real and substantial. Non-French families can access the British International Section, but should visit to confirm whether the bilingual environment suits their child.
Lycee Francais International Denis Diderot has been on Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani since 1962, making it one of the oldest international schools in Kenya. It is a member of the AEFE network - the French government agency that oversees French schools abroad - which means it follows the full French national curriculum from Maternelle through Terminale, delivers the French Baccalaureat, and benefits from a state subsidy that keeps fees 27-30% below equivalent international schools in Nairobi. For 2026-2027, other-nationality families pay KES 800,000 for Pre-school up to KES 2,292,740 for High School; French and Kenyan nationals pay somewhat less.
The British International Section (SIB) runs alongside the main French stream from primary upwards, offering an English-medium pathway that leads to IGCSEs and A-Levels rather than the Baccalaureat. This gives the school unusual curriculum breadth: a child can enter the French stream, transfer to the British section mid-cycle, or complete both tracks in parallel at certain ages. The student body of 600+ from 50+ nationalities reflects the wider Kilimani diplomatic and NGO community. Families report a warm atmosphere and strong community life, with annual events that draw both French and non-French parents.
The French-language environment is the central filter for non-Francophone families. Immersion support exists but the main stream operates in French from day one; children who arrive without any French at primary age will need dedicated language support and some families find the first year demanding. The British Section is more accessible for English-speaking newcomers. Kilimani is a central and well-connected location, but the campus is urban rather than campus-style - meaningful outdoor space is more limited than at Brookhouse or Banda.
What parents value
- –AEFE-affiliated school with French government subsidy keeping fees 27-30% below comparable Nairobi international schools. 2026-2027 High School fees of KES 2,292,740 for other nationals compare favourably with ISK and Brookhouse at equivalent ages.
- –Dual curriculum: full French national programme (Baccalaureat) plus British International Section (IGCSE and A-Level). Rare flexibility for families uncertain about long-term schooling pathway.
- –Oldest French school in Kenya, established 1962. Strong community of 600+ students from 50+ nationalities; central Kilimani location close to diplomatic missions and Yaya Centre.
Points of consideration
- –Main stream operates entirely in French. Non-Francophone children entering the French track at primary age will need dedicated language support and parents should expect an immersion period.
- –Urban campus with limited outdoor space compared with schools like Brookhouse or Banda. Sports facilities are adequate but not extensive for a school of this size.
- –Early payment discount of 5% applies; 20% sibling discount from the third child. Worth factoring into budget if you have multiple children or are timing your enrolment.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-school 1 (half-day) | 2 | NaN |
| Pre-school 1 (full-day) / Pre-school 2 | 3 | NaN |
| Pre-kindergarten / Kindergarten | 4 | NaN |
| Elementary (CP-CM2) | 6 | NaN |
| Middle School (6eme-3eme) | 11 | NaN |
| High School (2nde-Terminale) | 15 | NaN |
Fees converted from KES. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
| Enrollment Fee | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities, sports, and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Nairobi's international schools attract a highly diverse student body from diplomatic, NGO, and professional families. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown details.
Leadership
School Director
The school is directed under the AEFE framework. Contact the school directly for current leadership details.