Learning, Sharing, Caring: A Visionary School and Prosperous Business in Kenya

Armed with a vision, experience and an entrepreneurial spirit, Radhika Lee started her own school in Kenya, which is now a successful establishment.

Radhika Lee had a vision. Having worked in the Kenyan education system for over twenty-five years in various positions ranging from teacher, manager, to school principal, Radhika was well aware of the various problems that plague many of the schools in her country. When the challenge of trying to express her ideas for improvement to her employers continued to yield no results, she eventually decided that the only way solution would be to take matters into her own hands, and start her own school. Thus the idea for The Nairobi International School was born.

Learners at Nairobi International School in Kenya

The only obstacle standing in the way of bringing Radhika’s dream to fruition was funding. While every bank she approached agreed that the proposal she had put together was excellent, they could not offer her funding without some form of collateral, which she did not possess. Obtaining the capital therefore proved to be a long and daunting task. However, Radhika was unstoppable.

Finally, Radhika approached GroFin, an investment organization that provide finance to small and medium enterprises. GroFin could tell that Radhika believed whole-heartedly in her business idea and was absolutely committed to seeing it succeed, so they invested $725 000 U.S. dollars towards the creation of the Nairobi school and the realisation of Radhika’s vision.

In order to ensure that her business continues to be a success, Radhika has developed her own set of marketing ideas and constantly works at bringing in new students – and by extension more income – into her school. Realising that promotion is crucial in order to turn a profit, Radhika came up with the idea of setting up ‘virtual classrooms’ in shopping malls to show parents and students a taste of what her facility offers. This service is to entice prospective learners to sign up, as well as meet with various embassies and placement officers. Ultimately, the key to success, in her eyes, lies in plain old value for money.

Boasting an impressive facility – including a beautiful and spacious art studio, a music room complete with various instruments, a basketball court, as well as state-of-the-art computers – The Nairobi International School is well on its way to becoming one of the top independent schools in Kenya and, with Radhika at the helm, it stands as a prime example of what vision, drive and passion can achieve.