University of Nairobi (UoN) has announced a 50% reduction in hostel accommodation fees for the 2025/2026 academic year.
According to an internal memo issued by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Jesang Hutchinson on August 6, the new rates will see students pay Ksh 21,500 for a single room and Ksh 15,500 for a double room, both slashed by half from previous charges.
“This initiative aims to make accommodation more affordable,” Hutchinson stated, adding that the decision was approved by the University Council and will remain in effect for only one academic year.
However, the reduction comes with financial implications. The university projects an annual budget deficit of approximately Ksh151 million as a result of the move.
Hutchinson urged students to take care of hostel facilities to help curb maintenance costs, which could further strain the university’s finances.
He also extended his gratitude to the University Council for what he described as a “magnanimous decision,” noting their ongoing commitment to steering the institution toward academic excellence and global competitiveness.
UoN Protest Over Accommodation Fee
The move followed public outcry over a sharp increase in hostel charges, which had risen to more than Ksh 40,000 per year as of August last year.
The University of Nairobi Students Association had announced a temporary halt to the strike initially planned for Monday, August 4, 2025.
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This decision comes after the university administration issued an internal memo confirming that it had reviewed and approved a report concerning the adjustment of student accommodation fees.
Although the strike was postponed, student leaders urged all students to gather on Wednesday, August 6, at 9:00 AM to collectively receive the revised hostel rates.
“There will be no strike on Monday. Instead, we’ll be marching this Wednesday to pick up the new accommodation rates. Let’s come together and make our stance clear,” the student body announced.
They also stated the urgency of the matter, insisting that if the updated rates are not released by the middle of next week, they will resume protest action without delay.
“If the administration fails to issue the revised rates by then, we’ll initiate a full shutdown of university operations and extend it to the Central Business District,” they cautioned.
Govt Slashes University Fees
At the same time, the Ministry of Education, on Thursday, July 31, announced a reduction in university fees for all academic programmes in public institutions.
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The move followed months of consultations with the public, students, and higher education stakeholders.
This revision will further ease the financial burden on students and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, while ensuring universities can still maintain quality education.
“This bold step reaffirms our commitment to ensuring affordable, accessible, and quality university education,” said Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala in a letter to Vice Chancellors and Principals of Constituent Colleges.
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