UoN to review hostel fees after students protest over cost hike

University of Nairobi Students' Association had threatened to paralyse operations if the accommodation fees was not reverted to Sh6,000. [File, Standard]

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has bowed to pressure on on-campus accommodation costs, announcing plans to review them downwards.

In a memo to students, the UoN's management said that a meeting on July 29 adopted a report on reviewing the hostel fees that would be communicated by August 6.

"The recommendations are being processed for final approval by various governance organs of the University," the memo by John Orindi, the university's Director of Corporate Affairs, read in part. "We implore all students to understand that university decisions are guided by various policies and regulations which must be adhered to."

The move follows widespread outcry over a hike in accommodation fees, which soared to more than Sh40,000 per year last August.

Last week, the university's students' association threatened to shut down the institution if the accommodation fees were not reverted to Sh6,000.

"We are here because we are in pain and have nowhere to sleep. We are here to announce that the University of Nairobi will not admit first-year students this year," said Troy Rusana, the student body president, in a statement that also warned of disruptions in Nairobi's Central Business District if the issue is not resolved.

Many other universities have increased accommodation fees, prompting criticism from different quarters. Lawmakers have also opposed the increases.

Senators asked the Education Ministry to justify high university hostel fees amid economic hardship. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna warned the hike risks female students' safety and called for an audit of hostel suitability, repairs and plans to bridge the gap between students and available spaces.