ADvTECH, the JSE-listed private education group and one of South Africa’s leading providers of private schooling, has strengthened its presence in East Africa with the acquisition of Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. The deal, valued at R172 million, forms part of the group’s broader international expansion strategy.
ADvTECH operates some of South Africa’s most prominent education brands, including Crawford International, Varsity College, Trinityhouse, and Pinnacle College, among others. The group has been steadily expanding beyond South Africa, targeting high-growth education markets across the continent.
The newly acquired school is located in Runda, a rapidly developing area northeast of Nairobi. With a capacity of 2,000 students, the institution offers a full K-12 curriculum. Following the acquisition, the school will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda, joining ADvTECH’s existing Makini Schools network, which now comprises six schools in Kenya.
“We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students,” said Geoff Whyte, CEO of ADvTECH.
The acquisition underscores ADvTECH’s commitment to expanding its footprint across Africa. In November 2024, the group acquired five Flipper International Schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for R135 million, marking its entry into the Ethiopian education market.
Currently, ADvTECH operates:
- Makini Schools and Crawford International in Kenya
- Three schools in Gaborone, Botswana
- A growing tertiary education presence, including the newly established Rosebank International University College in Accra, Ghana, which will welcome its first students on 1 September 2025.
ADvTECH’s expansion strategy is driven by the rising demand for quality private education across Africa. By acquiring established schools and introducing its premium brands, the group aims to deliver world-class education while tapping into high-growth markets.
