The Ministry of Education is stepping in to calm growing tensions at the University of Nairobi (UoN) after students took to the streets protesting a sharp increase in accommodation fees.
On Monday, July 21, members of the university’s student association marched to the Ministry’s headquarters at Jogoo House, demanding urgent intervention over what they termed an unjustified rise in housing costs. Their petition accused the institution of hiking the accommodation fee from Ksh 6,000 in 2021 to a staggering Ksh 43,000 an increase they say many students simply can’t afford.
In response, Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala acknowledged the students’ concerns and committed to engaging them in talks aimed at defusing the standoff.
“We are open to dialogue,” she said. “When student leaders come to the table, history shows we reach amicable solutions. We encourage them to engage in constructive discussion.”
Student leaders, however, say they’ve tried that route before with no success.
“The university has ignored our concerns for too long,” said Patrick Owino, Chairperson of the UoN Council of Governors. “This is not a new issue. We’ve raised it repeatedly, but the administration keeps dragging its feet. We’ve now brought our case directly to the Ministry.”
Owino said the students expect action before the next cohort of first-year students reports to campus.
“It’s simple. Don’t admit first years into a crisis. Let the accommodation fees be reviewed first,” he added.
Beyond the housing crisis, the students are also demanding the establishment of a fully operational university council to address broader governance concerns within the institution.
As the standoff continues, learning at Kenya’s premier university hangs in the balance. But with the Ministry now promising to mediate, there may still be room for resolution provided both sides come to the table in good faith.
