University of Nottingham to reconsider accommodation costs following student demonstrations about price increase
University of Nairobi Reviews Hostel Fees Amid Student Protests and Calls for Accountability
The University of Nairobi (UoN) is currently reviewing its student hostel accommodation fees following a significant increase from Sh6,000 to approximately Sh43,000 over the past four years. This decision comes in response to intense student protests and criticism, with the UoN students' association threatening to shut down the institution if the fees were not reverted to their original price.
The university management announced a meeting on July 29 to discuss the review of hostel fees, and recommendations for adjustments to current charges are currently being processed for final approval by various governance organs of the UoN. The management has appealed for patience, emphasizing that fee decisions must comply with institutional policies and regulations.
Criticism for increased university accommodation fees comes from various quarters, including lawmakers. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has warned that the hostel fee hike risks female students' safety and has called for an audit of hostel suitability, repairs, and plans to bridge the gap between students and available spaces.
Troy Rusana, the student body president, had previously warned of disruptions in Nairobi's Central Business District if the issue is not resolved. However, as of the latest updates, there have been no new statements from him regarding the admission of first-year students this year.
Senators have also asked the Education Ministry to justify high university hostel fees amid economic hardship, but the ministry has not been specifically mentioned as justifying the hostel fee increases in the context provided.
The UoN management expects to communicate the results of the review by August 6, 2025, but no finalized new fee structure has yet been officially announced. The ongoing review aims to address both the affordability and suitability of university housing amid widespread discontent.
- In light of the ongoing dispute over hostel fees, senators are urging the Education Ministry to provide justification for high university accommodation costs amid economic hardship, as they consider sports, business, and education-and-self-development expenses alongside general-news coverage.
- As the University of Nairobi reviews its hostel fees, education-and-self-development discussions extend into the realm of sports and business, with senators calling for audits to ensure hostel safety, repairs, and increased student spaces, while simultaneously advocating for accountability to lessen economic burdens on students.
