The University of Nairobi has started an official procedure to update its student dormitory charges due to ongoing demands from students and examination by Parliament.
In a confidential memo issued on July 30, the university's Corporate Affairs Director, John Orindi, stated that the administrative team had convened a day prior and approved a report suggesting modifications to the existing hostel fees.
"Several university governance bodies are in the process of reviewing the recommendations for final approval," the memo states.
Students have been informed that the final decision will be shared by Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The letter, sent to senior university administrators such as the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and the Dean of Students, calls for understanding and emphasizes that all decisions must comply with the university's policy guidelines.
We urgently ask all students to recognize that university decisions are based on multiple policies and rules that need to be followed.
The action comes after a surge in student dissatisfaction regarding what they termed high housing charges.
On July 17, the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) warned of disrupting future enrollments unless the annual dormitory fee is addressed.was not reduced.
The student population stated that hostel accommodation at UoN hasincreased from Sh6,000 in 2021 to approximately Sh43,000.
Students claimed the university was taking advantage of them despite providing poor housing, statingthey would take further action if their requests were not heeded.
Previously, in September 2024, students organized protests following a sharp increase in semester housing charges, rising from Sh3,000 to Sh21,000, which they argued was too expensive for many and not justified considering the substandard condition of the dormitory facilities.
The issue was brought up in the Senate on July 24 this year, as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna cautioned that increasing university expenses were forcing many students into informal neighborhoods.
"Students are being pushed into slums as they can't handle the updated hostel fees," Sifuna stated.
He urged the Senate's Education Committee to promptly examine the reasons for the tuition hikes.
During a discussion, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei proposed that student accommodation be included in the government's Low-Cost Housing Initiative.
He likened the facilities to makeshift neighborhoods and mentioned that certain students were facing difficulties like infestations of bedbugs, which impacted their comfort and health.
"Our fellow members are suffering from bedbugs, and this occurs at the center of a significant exchange of knowledge and discussion," he stated.
On July 21, students gathered at Jogoo House in Nairobi to protest outside the Ministry of Education, calling for a reassessment of housing fees.
Faced with increasing demands, the Ministry of Education on July 22 expressed its readiness to act as a mediator, urging organized discussions between university administrators and student leaders.
"We aim to motivate students to participate in discussions. Based on our experience, when we involve student leaders in these conversations, we consistently find peaceful solutions," said Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala.
While students wait for the final decision regarding the updated fees, the university has asked them to stay composed and follow official processes.
Should the suggestions be accepted, it would represent the initial official assessment since students initiated their demonstrations, possibly indicating a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.