Hello and welcome to the Money Weekly Newsletter, where we are covering the new funding model for private schools.

This academic edition is sponsored by Jackfruit Finance, an organisation dedicated to helping schools thrive through access to capital, quality suppliers, and leadership training.

Sponsored Content

Are you a school owner looking to expand, upgrade your facilities, or buy a school bus? Our partner, Jackfruit Finance, offers a financing solution designed exclusively for schools.

Access up to Ksh9 million in just 48 hours to grow your school. Whether it’s building new classrooms or acquiring essential assets, Jackfruit provides friendly terms and flexible repayments — not fixed monthly instalments.

Apply for the Jackfruit Project & Asset Loan today and take your school to the next level. Apply here

Innovative Funding Model for Private Schools

Private schools in Kenya continue to attract high demand, largely because parents value personalised learning and consistent quality. Yet, for decades, many school owners and administrators have struggled with challenges that limit growth. One of the biggest barriers has been access to credit, which has prevented many schools from expanding and has even forced some to close.

Kenya has nearly 100,000 primary and secondary schools, 28,000 of which are privately owned. Between 2019 and 2022, 7,000 schools shut down, and a further 2,000 are at risk of closure this year due to low enrolment and a shortage of teachers. Many of the institutions at risk have limited access to the resources needed to upgrade facilities, invest in infrastructure, and attract more learners.

The experience of Joseph Kungu, the director of Oaktree Schools, reflects the challenge. He wanted to relocate and expand his institution, but could not access sufficient capital. “We wanted a bigger space because of our growth, and we were looking for someone who could support us financially,” he said. “At the time, we did not have an office block, our classes were not tiled, we lacked enough furniture, and our computer lab was not in operation.”

School directors like Kungu often face similar hurdles. Many lenders in Kenya offer loans with strict monthly repayment models, which do not match how schools generate income, which is termly. This has made traditional financing difficult for many entrepreneurs in the education sector.

Kungu’s breakthrough came when he partnered with Jackfruit Finance, the financial arm of the Jackfruit Network. The organisation supports schools through access to capital, vetted suppliers, and leadership training. Jackfruit Finance not only approved funding for his project but also structured repayments in a way that aligned with the school calendar. “One of the things I appreciate is the simplicity of how they operate. The documentation is easy, the customer care is excellent, and I do not have to leave the office to complete the process,” he explained.

Today, Kungu runs two institutions in Machakos County and admissions are ongoing. The director of Katso School shares a similar story. “I struggled before I found Jackfruit Finance. Other financiers did not understand my needs. I would recommend Jackfruit Finance because they are fast, they do not overwhelm you with calls, and they provide a good solution for schools seeking financing.”

The director of Ndwaru School also praised the repayment structure. “The loan was flexible because it is paid termly when school fees are paid. That made it easy for us to manage our repayments.”

The long school holidays, such as the Christmas break, often provide an opportunity for schools to renovate and invest in essential facilities. The Jackfruit Network’s Project and Asset Loan is designed specifically for this period. It supports upgrades such as expanding classrooms, improving dormitories or administrative blocks, and purchasing school buses and vans.

A Hub Manager at Jackfruit Finance explains how the ecosystem works. “We bring in partners who share the same vision for education. They provide services and products that streamline operations, improve infrastructure, and support school growth,” she said. “We vet these partners to ensure quality. The hub gives school directors a one-stop solution they can access from the comfort of their office. We also create opportunities for schools to scale.”

For the director of Green Angels Academy, the partnership has been transformational. “Since Jackfruit Finance came in, they have supported us in acquiring computers and science laboratories and in helping us move to higher levels of education,” the director said.

Jackfruit Finance currently offers loans of up to Ksh9 million, with approvals that can take as little as 48 hours. Schools also gain access to the Jackfruit Hub, a marketplace linking them to trusted suppliers for items ranging from desks to learning software. They also benefit from the Jackfruit Foundation, which trains teachers and supports sustainable, equitable education.

How to Grow With Jackfruit

Jackfruit Finance is designed for speed and simplicity, enabling schools to access funds quickly during the long holiday planning window.

You qualify for the Project and Asset Loan if you are a school owner or a director. Jackfruit is ready to part with you. Register Here.

Here is a quick recap of the top news stories on education for the week:

• Grade 10 implementation in limbo over a shortage of 58,590 teachers, with the STEM pathway being the most affected

• Auditor General reveals schools overcharging fees.

• KNEC warns against fraudsters claiming to alter exam results.

• TSC unveils new policy on transfer after promotion.

• Report reveals that learners in public schools lag behind despite free education programmes.

• Blow to 20,000 junior school intern teachers as TSC extends contracts.

Catch Up on More News

WEEKLY MONEY TIPS

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Why I Recommend Jackfruit to Fellow Private School Owners

If you are a private school owner, director, or executive currently facing a growth ceiling, you know the reality. Private schools across Kenya are in high demand because you offer quality, personalised learning. Yet, you are likely struggling to finance the next big step—be it building those CBC-compliant classrooms, renovating facilities during the long holiday, or acquiring a much-needed school bus.

The frustration stems from a simple reality. Financiers in Kenya have rarely designed loans to match your school's unique financial cycle, leading to long approval times and difficult monthly repayment schedules. But this gap shouldn’t exist. Here is how Jackfruit is filling this gap with custom financing for private school owners.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Money Weekly!

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