As the country continues to grapple with the rising cost of living, Kenyatta University has become the latest government institution to revise the prices of food sold within its mess to account for the surge in the cost of food items and transportation expenses.
The Office of the Registrar at the university has recently published an updated price list. Notably, the cost of chapati has been adjusted from Ksh10 to Ksh15, and a cup of tea now stands at Ksh15 from the previous Ksh10.
Additionally, a serving of beans and rice has seen a twofold increase, going from Ksh12 to Ksh25. Among the more significant changes is the price of beef, which has now become one of the higher-priced meals at Ksh70, marking a considerable jump from its previous price of Ksh22 in the previous academic year.
A student leader at the institution confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the new prices took effect on Tuesday, August 22.
The most expensive dish on the roster is chicken and fries, with each item now priced at Ksh100, followed by a packet of milk (Ksh60) beef, minced meat stew (Ksh50), Mukimo (Ksh50), Githeri (Ksh40), sausages (Ksh40) and mashed potatoes (Ksh40).
The new price list not only angered the student population but jolted the institution's revered alumni who argued that the price hikes were too high.
They argued that the steep rise was disadvantageous to students who were already struggling to secure loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the skyrocketing cost of living.
"Kenyatta University has increased food prices for students' kitchen. I remember in our time, people would spend only Ksh20 and they have a compete meal," a former student chimed in.
As a result, some of the students called for protests aimed at compelling the institution's management to revise the prices downwards.
"I take my food at Mess (dining hall) but the price increase has hurt me," lamented a student.
"I've seen Kenyatta University have increased the food prices in the school mess. The economy is really bad and you'll see the chief hustler claiming how he has stabilised the economy," added Paul Otuoma.
Spike in Food Prices
Universities, which received subsidised foodstuffs to lower costs for students, have been forced to increase prices due to the rise in the cost of groceries and transportation expenses.
A report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) released towards the end of last month indicated that nine basic foodstuffs recorded double-digit increases.
From the report, beans recorded the highest increase in price (a figure that stood at 32.7 per cent) between July 2022 and July 2023.
Onions recorded the second-highest jump (22.2 per cent), peas (13.9 per cent), potatoes (9.1 per cent), and carrots (8.1 per cent).
Other food items that recorded high price jumps include; oranges (7.7 per cent), fresh flavoured packeted milk (6.6 per cent), cabbages (6.5 per cent), cowpeas and (4.9 per cent).
