The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa

Mombasa, Kenya

About The Aga Khan Academy: The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, also known as AKAM, is an international school in Kenya with around 700 students and 100 teachers.

Aga Khan Academies: The Aga Khan Academies are a network of co-educational residential schools with academies in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Student admission is based purely on merit (rather than ability to pay like many other international schools). These schools typically have spacious campuses that offer high quality resources providing to offer opportunities for students and teachers to grow.

School Mission: ​​​​​To provide students with education of the highest standard in order to prepare them for lives characterised by leadership and service.

Visit the website for further details about this school.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Recommended – the package is great for families (although it may not suit larger families given restrictions around tuition) with decent health coverage, housing allowance and merit based, driven students

Overall compensation package rating

Good quality, especially for experienced teachers and there is no tax payable for foreign teachers

Tuition benefits

100% of tuition benefit for first child, 90% for second child

Housing

The school provides a monthly allowance for housing

Flights

Flight allowance proviced for start and end of placement (no annual flights) – most contracts are two years

Healthcare

Private healthcare (international) for entire family

Adjustment for kids

The school is made up of around 50% international students (the other half are local students)

Average class sizes

Class size are relatively small – averaging 15 to 17 students across all year levels

Teaching experience required

You’ll need four years teaching experience to work at this school along with formal teaching qualifications/certifications

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

Pension scheme provided for teachers who are required to contribute 7% (school contributes 10%)

School history & stability

The school was founded in 2003

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance (start and end)
  • Pay scale based on experience
  • Laptop allowance
  • Opportunity to live on campus (as dorm parent)
  • Personal leave benefits
  • Teacher induction program

What Teachers are Saying About The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa

This is an amazing school to work in. I would come back to work here any time.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, AGA KHAN ACADEMY MOMBASA

Working at this school is a lot of work. Also be aware that there is no accommodation on campus available to teachers, unless you’re a dorm parent.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, MOMBASA

The school capus is beautiful and there are great facilities for staff and students. But the work culture and practices aren’t necessarily what they should be (e.g as recommended by the IB).

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT AKAM
A street scene in Mombasa, Kenya with a cyclist riding in the city bustle - what you might see on your daily commute to the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa
Historic buildings in the old town of Mombasa, Kenya
A man leading a camel along a sandy beach in Mombasa, Kenya

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Mombasa is generally safe for families, especially in residential areas such as Nyali and Tudor where international schools and housing compounds are located. While petty theft can occur, especially in crowded public spaces, violent crime is uncommon.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Mombasa offers a warm, coastal lifestyle with a slower pace and welcoming local culture. English is widely spoken, and although the city lacks a large expat scene, the school community is reportedly very supportive. The tropical climate (often hot and humid) and infrastructure challenges, like power cuts and limited shopping options can be challenging.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Living costs in Mombasa are generally reasonable. Local produce, services, and domestic help are affordable, and the school’s housing allowance and benefits help cover major expenses. Imported goods, Western-style supermarkets, and international travel come at a premium, but teachers at AKAM report being able to live well and save.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa (AKAM) is a prestigious not-for-profit international day and boarding school located on Kenya’s tropical South Coast. Founded in 2003, the school is part of the wider Aga Khan Academies network – a global initiative committed to developing future leaders through world-class, merit-based education. With approximately 700 students from both local and international backgrounds, AKAM offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and a mission-driven approach.

The Academy combines academic excellence with character development. The school aims to both nurture intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and cross-cultural understanding. The school environment is multicultural, inclusive, and purpose-driven. So it’s a fulfilling place for educators who want to contribute to meaningful, long-term impact. Students are said to be engaged, socially conscious, and aligned with the school’s mission, which helps to create a respectful and driven classroom.

The majority of teaching staff at the school are Kenyan, but international teachers are a valued part of the team. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of four years of experience and IB familiarity. There’s a strong emphasis on mentoring, and the school is looking for educators who are willing to support the growth of local colleagues and engage with the school community beyond the classroom.

The compensation package includes international medical insurance, a relocation allowance, and flights at the start and end of contract. A monthly housing and overseas allowance is also provided, and there are opportunities to live on campus and serve as dorm parents. Children’s tuition is covered at 100% for the first child and 90% for a second. Contracts run for two years, starting in August.

Mombasa offers a unique lifestyle for families, with access to beautiful beaches, a slower pace of life, and a warm, welcoming culture.

If you’re an experienced teacher looking to make a genuine impact and live in a culturally rich environment, AKAM could be for you.

If you’re working at AKAM we’d love to get your first-hand account! Please get in touch with us to share your insights or complete our teacher survey.

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