History - A Lion's Legacy

Celebrating 45 Years of Learning Together

During the 2021–2022 school year, ISK proudly celebrated its 45th anniversary — a milestone marked by resilience, innovation, and strong community spirit. Even in the face of challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic, ISK continued to move forward with energy and purpose. The school adapted quickly to evolving circumstances by embracing new approaches to teaching and learning, strengthening digital learning experiences, and maintaining high academic standards. Throughout this period, the safety, health, and well-being of students, faculty, and families remained a top priority, reflecting ISK’s commitment to supporting the whole child. This milestone also served as a celebration of ISK’s enduring legacy of educational excellence and its dedication to preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

ISK at 40!

On August 17, 2016, ISK celebrated 40 years of service to students and the Kenyan community with a colorful campus ceremony attended by dignitaries from the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission. Keynote speaker John Sibi-Okumu shared fond memories of ISK as both a parent and teacher, followed by a celebratory performance by the acclaimed African band Sauti Sol.
To mark this milestone, ISK partnered with Sauti Sol to strengthen community service efforts in Kenya. The partnership focused on the connection between education and creativity, supporting ISK’s service learning programs and Sauti Sol’s Soma Soma Initiative, which promotes access to education for youth across Africa. The collaboration provided meaningful peer-learning experiences for students while promoting the importance of education and community service.

Here are some of the moments captured during the 40th Anniversary event.

Establishing Our Identity: The International School of Kenya

In 1976, with an enrollment of 485 students, Nairobi International School was renamed the International School of Kenya (ISK). By 1982, ISK offered its first International Baccalaureate (IB) class. Since then, ISK has established itself as one of the world's premier and most diverse international schools, attracting students from around the globe. The school's expansion has not only been in terms of student population. We have also constructed world-class facilities, including one of Nairobi's best swimming pools and a new state-of-the-art track and field.

A Growing Legacy: Nairobi International School

In 1970, the United States International University (USIU) acquired the school and relocated it to its current site on the former coffee plantation at the end of Peponi Road. They renamed it Nairobi International School (NIS), expanded the grade offerings from 4th Grade to 12th Grade, and even introduced college courses. Despite only having a white wooden house and two stone buildings at that time, the vision for a school like ISK was already apparent.

Our Community’s First Step: US Community School

In 1967, the late Mrs. Nancy Ellen Crooks opened the doors to the US Community School in a house near Nairobi Hospital. Well known for her passion for education, Mrs. Crooks became the first principal dedicated to addressing the educational needs of Kenyan and expatriate children in Nairobi.