Machakos University is set to receive 3,000 new student hostel units following a partnership between the institution and the National Housing Corporation (NHC). The agreement was announced earlier this week as part of efforts to improve student accommodation and safety.
According to the truce, the hostels to be built within the university’s land in Machakos County. Construction is also expected to begin later this year and completed within 12 months.
The project will cost around Ksh1 billion and is fully supported by NHC under its affordable housing programme.
Currently, the university has only 500 hostel spaces, forcing many students to seek housing in nearby estates, some of which are unsafe and overcrowded. This shortage has raised concerns about student welfare and academic performance.
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Speaking during the signing of the agreement on June 19, Machakos University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joyce Agalo said the new hostels will help reduce congestion and improve the learning environment. She also noted that the project will allow more students to access on-campus facilities such as internet, libraries, and security services.
“This development will not only solve accommodation problems but also enhance safety and academic excellence,” said Agalo.
NHC Managing Director David Mathu added that the partnership is part of a new strategy to support public universities that are struggling to expand infrastructure due to limited funding. He said the hostels will be built to modern standards, with access to clean water, electricity, and high-speed internet.
More information on the exact timeline and contractors involved will be shared soon. The hostel project is one of the first large-scale university housing developments under NHC’s student accommodation plan.
By Benedict Aoya
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