Cherargei: Include university hostels in Affordable Housing plan
By Faith Lagat, July 24, 2025Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has called for the inclusion of university hostels in the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, raising alarm over the increasingly dire conditions faced by students in public universities.
Speaking during a Senate session on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Cherargei supported a statement request by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who sought a review from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the steep rise in hostel accommodation fees over the past four years.
“I rise to support the statement on the issue of student accommodation. For those of us who have been through university, we know firsthand how deplorable the living conditions in some of these hostels are. Some slums are in a better state than what students are forced to endure,” Cherargei said.
He criticised the growing disconnect between the high fees charged—sometimes exceeding Ksh40,000—and the quality of accommodation provided. “It’s disheartening that students are charged exorbitant prices, yet no substantive improvements have been made. You can still find bedbugs in many of these hostels,” he added.
A 2023 study by the University of Nairobi supports Cherargei’s claims, revealing that 68 percent of students living in hostels reported persistent issues with poor sanitation and pest infestations.
Push to expand housing agenda
Cherargei urged the government to incorporate student housing into its Affordable Housing Programme, which currently targets the construction of 500,000 housing units annually. The program received Ksh 50 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, aimed primarily at addressing the national urban housing deficit.
“I wish to appeal that, under the Affordable Housing Programme, the government must include university hostels to make life more bearable for students,” Cherargei said, proposing that student welfare should be seen as a national development priority.
While the proposal has gained traction among some lawmakers and education stakeholders, others have raised concerns about diverting resources from the already stretched housing budget. Critics argue that adding student hostels to the plan could hinder progress on urban housing targets.
However, proponents of the move point to global benchmarks. UNESCO’s 2022 data shows that 85 percent of developed nations prioritise campus accommodation as a key factor in improving student success and retention.
As the Senate continues its deliberations, Cherargei’s call is expected to intensify the conversation on how best to align education and housing policy. A formal review by the Education Committee is anticipated in the coming weeks, with students, parents, and institutions keenly awaiting the outcome.