How to Evaluate School Transport, Meals and Facilities

The short answer: don't rely on a "yes, we have transport" or "meals provided". Ask whether the bus covers your exact area and at what times, what children actually eat, and look at the facilities your child will use every day.

School transport

Transport is often the deciding factor for working parents. Ask:

• Does the route cover my area? Ask for the named estates or stages, not just the main road.
• Pick-up and drop-off times. A route that collects your child at 5:30 a.m. may not work.
• Cost for my area, per term, and whether it is charged for holidays.
• Who is on the vehicle? Is there an adult (other than the driver) who supervises the children?
• How are children handed over at the gate and at home?
• What happens if the vehicle is late or breaks down, and how are parents told?
• Are the vehicles licensed and inspected? Ask to see the documents.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) sets rules for vehicles that carry school children. Check NTSA's current guidance and ask the school how it meets it.

On FindSchoolKenya, school profiles list the areas each school's transport serves. If you search with "needs transport", we show whether the school covers your chosen area.

Meals

• What is on the menu? Ask to see a typical weekly menu.
• Is breakfast, lunch or a snack included, and which are optional?
• Allergies and special diets. How does the school manage them? Who in the kitchen knows?
• Where do children eat, and is there supervision?
• Clean drinking water — is it available all day?

If possible, visit at lunchtime and look at the kitchen and dining area.

Everyday facilities

Grand buildings matter less than the facilities your child uses every day:

• Toilets and hand-washing — enough of them, clean, and separate for boys and girls.
• Classrooms — light, space, ventilation, and seating for everyone.
• Play areas — safe, shaded space for break time.
• Library and books — can children borrow books?
• Science and computer facilities for older grades — how often does your child's class actually use them?
• First aid — is there a sick bay or nurse?
• Security — fencing, a staffed gate and visitor checks.

Activities

Ask which activities are included in the fee and which cost extra, and how often your child's grade takes part. A long list of clubs means little if your child's class only gets one session a term.

Write it down

Use the same checklist at every school. Our list of questions to ask before enrolling covers fees, teaching and safety too.

Find schools with transport to your area.