Jacaranda Special School

The Jacaranda Special School, established in 1946 by Mrs. Hellen Glennie as the St. Nicholas Boarding School, is Kenya’s oldest and largest public facility dedicated to children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Located on Siaya Road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, the school operates under the Ministry of Education as a mixed day and boarding primary institution that serves learners with conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Driven by its motto, “Towards sustainability, independence and self-esteem,” the school provides a specialized curriculum that integrates academic learning with vocational training and social skill development. Recent infrastructure advancements in 2025 have significantly expanded its capacity, including the completion of a modern 120-bed dormitory designed to provide a safe and dignified living environment for its students. With facilities like a sheltered workshop and a Level 2 dispensary on-site, the school focuses on equipping learners with practical life skills to ensure they can eventually lead independent, self-sustainable lives within their communities.