The experienced educator behind Butterfly House Learning Centre is combining child-centred education with the determination required to build and sustain a school as an enterprise.
For nearly two decades, Jayne Murimi has devoted her career to helping children learn, teachers grow and schools become stronger.
Today, she is bringing that experience into Butterfly House Learning Centre, an early-learning school in Ngoingwa, Thika, where children are encouraged to explore, create and develop confidence at their own pace.
Jayne’s journey represents more than the founding of a school. It shows what can happen when an experienced professional turns years of knowledge into an institution of her own.
A Career Built Around Children
Jayne’s professional background includes early-childhood education, curriculum development, teacher mentorship, inclusive learning and school management.
She previously served as Head of Lower Primary at Rusinga School, where she supported teachers, evaluated classroom strategies and helped balance structured instruction with creativity.
Her educational preparation includes a master’s degree in Inclusive Special Education from the University of Roehampton and a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Kenyatta University.
She has also completed management-development programs at Strathmore Business School.
This combination of education and leadership training has prepared her to understand both sides of school ownership: creating meaningful learning experiences and building the systems required to deliver them consistently.
Creating Butterfly House
Jayne has led Butterfly House Learning Centre since approximately 2021.
Located in Ngoingwa Estate along the Thika–Mang’u Road, the school serves children aged approximately two to six through playgroup and pre-primary programs.
Its goal is to provide children with a strong educational and personal foundation before they transition into primary school.
The centre’s approach combines Kenya’s competence-based curriculum with Montessori-influenced learning. Children are encouraged to participate actively instead of receiving information passively.
Through painting, drawing, games, creative exploration and practical activities, they develop academic, physical and social skills in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
Learning Through Curiosity
Young children learn best when they can touch, move, experiment and ask questions.
Butterfly House is built around this understanding.
Its activities are designed to stimulate curiosity while helping children develop independence, problem-solving skills, teamwork and confidence.
Rather than expecting every child to learn in exactly the same way or at the same speed, the school’s small-class philosophy allows teachers to observe individual strengths and provide more personalized support.
Jayne’s background in inclusive special education strengthens this approach.
She understands that children bring different abilities, personalities and developmental needs into the classroom. Recognizing those differences early can help teachers provide support without making a child feel inadequate.
Helping Teachers Become Better Educators
Jayne’s leadership extends beyond working directly with children.
She also mentors teachers, supports lesson planning and helps educators improve their classroom-management skills. Her work includes guiding teachers in responding to behavioural challenges, adapting lessons for different learners and monitoring educational progress.
This investment in teachers is essential because a strong school depends on confident, consistent and well-supported educators.
By helping teachers grow professionally, Jayne strengthens the quality of learning each child receives.
Building Trust With Families
Parents are important partners in a child’s development.
Butterfly House emphasizes open communication, personalized attention and a nurturing environment in which families can feel confident about the care and education their children receive.
The school also provides spaces for learning, creative activities, play, movement and shared meals.
Each part of the environment is intended to support the whole child—not only academically, but also socially, emotionally and physically.
Where Education Meets Entrepreneurship
Opening a school requires more than a passion for teaching.
A founder must manage enrollment, finances, staffing, facilities, parent relationships, compliance and long-term planning while protecting the quality of education.
Jayne’s management training allows her to approach Butterfly House as both a learning community and a sustainable enterprise.
Her journey reflects the experience of many professionals who spend years developing expertise before taking the courageous step of building something under their own leadership.
It also demonstrates that educational entrepreneurship can create opportunities beyond the founder. A successful school supports children, employs teachers, strengthens families and contributes to the wider community.
Helping Young Minds Spread Their Wings
At Sisi Kenya Meda, we celebrate Kenyans who transform their knowledge into institutions that serve others.
Jayne Murimi is doing exactly that.
Through Butterfly House Learning Centre, she is creating a space where children can explore their abilities, teachers can continue developing and parents can feel supported during some of the most important years of their child’s growth.
Her story reminds us that a school is more than classrooms, lessons and enrollment numbers.
It is a place where confidence begins, curiosity is protected and young minds are given the freedom to flourish.
