The land and original farmhouse that Kabete Junior Academy is situated on was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Kinyanjui in 1983 and this was where they raised their three children.

The couple bought a 6 hectare piece of land which was the main house for the neighboring coffee plantation. Out of the need to find a school for their daughters to attend and because they could not find what they were looking for in the schools in and around this area, Mrs. Kinyanjui and a friend got the idea to start a pre-school in their house which was renovated with class rooms and to become the school that now KJA.

The aim was to start a school that was well rounded and could accommodate all classes and all races under one roof.