The University of Nairobi has announced a major reduction in hostel accommodation fees for the 2025/26 academic year, cutting rates by 50 percent in response to mounting pressure from students.
This decision comes just a week after the university signalled a willingness to review its on-campus accommodation charges, following protests and appeals from the student body.
In an internal memo message to students and staff issued on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Prof Jesang Hutchinson confirmed that the university’s council had approved the new rates, which will apply for the upcoming academic year only.
Under the revised structure, students will now pay Ksh21,500 for a single room and Ksh15,500 for a double room - both representing a 50 per cent cut from previous rates.
However, Prof Hutchinson noted that the decision, though necessary, will have financial implications. The university expects an annual budget shortfall of approximately Ksh151 million as a result of the fee reduction.
To help minimise the impact of this deficit, the Vice Chancellor urged students to take care of hostel facilities, stressing the importance of keeping maintenance costs low during the transition period.
“This initiative is designed to make university life more affordable for our students,” the VC said. “But we also appeal to the student community to act responsibly in preserving hostel infrastructure.”
The Vice Chancellor went on to thank the University Council members for what he termed a "magnanimous decision," crediting their leadership in prioritising student welfare despite financial constraints.
She also expressed optimism that the decision would not only boost student morale but also strengthen the university’s global reputation for inclusivity and excellence.
The decision to slash hostel accommodation fees follows sustained pressure from the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA).
In a statement after the announcement, the UNSA President noted, "Today, we managed to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in accommodation fees. The next step is to ensure new prices are reflected on all portals for both first-year and continuing students. Comrades, you stood with us, you trusted us, and we will ensure we deliver our mandate."
Last week, the government announced a major reduction in fees for all public university programmes under the student-centred funding model, offering financial relief to thousands of students and their families.
In a directive issued by Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, on Wednesday, the revised fees will take effect from September 1, 2025, and will apply to both new and continuing students.
