Senators back UoN students in call for lower accommodation fees, better hostels

Senators have backed University of Nairobi (UoN) students in their push for a review of accommodation fees and improvement of hostel conditions.

This support follows a recent protest by the student body over increased accommodation charges and concerns about the state of the university hostels.

During a debate in the Senate, lawmakers, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, raised concerns over what they termed as high fees and poor living conditions in student hostels.

The discussion was prompted by a statement request made by Senator Sifuna regarding student accommodation at the institution.

"I rise to support the Statement on the issue of student accommodation," said Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.

Cherargei said that, based on personal experience, some hostel conditions needed improvement.

He compared the facilities to informal settlements and said some students were struggling with challenges such as bedbug infestations, which affected their comfort and well-being.

“Our comrades are being affected by bedbugs, and this happens at the hub of a serious knowledge engagement and discourse,” he said.

His remarks echoed those of UoN students who took to the streets on July 21 to protest what they termed as a steep rise in accommodation charges.

According to the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA), the fees have increased from Sh6,000 in 2021 to as much as Sh43,000 per year, placing a heavy financial burden on learners.

UNSA representatives claim the cost has pushed many students to seek housing outside the campus, where conditions are not always safe or stable.

“We cannot be expected to continue paying these high fees when we are living in conditions that are not only uncomfortable but unsanitary,” said one student leader.

“The university administration has not responded to our calls to review the fees and improve the facilities.”

Some senators called on the government to intervene, with proposals to include university hostels in the Affordable Housing Programme, a national initiative aimed at addressing the country’s housing challenges.