Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

This is a study of the structural links between pre-primary and primary education in Nairobi. The paper observes that there are a large number of nursery schools in Nairobi. These institutions fall into two main categories: the high-cost and the low-cost nursery schools. It is hypothesised that the growth and structure of the pre-primary education is determined largely by the structure of primary education which in turn reflects the structure of the society. There are two main categories of primary schools: the high-cost and the low cost. The structural differences in primary schools were initially based on race but are now based on ability to pay. Some preliminary findings based on data obtained from the low-cost nursery schools are discussed. The fact that standard one place is scarce is considered as an important explanatory factor in understanding the functions and structure of the pre-school education. The paper concludes by illustrating that nursery school attendance is being used to regulate entry into primary education.