- Chuka University students have raised alarm over rent increases of more than 30 per cent, with some now paying up to KSh20,000 per semester for accommodation.
- Students have proposed that the university establish a database of legitimate, student-friendly landlords and negotiate better rental terms on their behalf.
- Students have warned that continued rent hikes could force many to seek cheaper, less suitable housing farther from campus, and have appealed for urgent university intervention.
Students at Chuka University have raised concerns over a sharp increase in accommodation costs, saying rising rents are placing an additional financial burden on learners.
Some students report paying between KSh18,000 and KSh20,000 per semester for accommodation, with landlords in areas surrounding the university demanding the full amount upfront. Students also claim that some landlords have introduced stricter occupancy limits, with some rooms now restricted to a single student, changes they say have significantly increased the cost of securing accommodation. According to the students, some landlords have raised rent by more than 30 per cent, despite many learners already struggling to meet tuition, transport, food and other education-related expenses.
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The students are now calling on the university administration to intervene and help address the accommodation challenges. Among their proposals is the establishment of a database or list of legitimate and student-friendly landlords from which students can seek accommodation. They also want the university to use its institutional bargaining power to negotiate better rental terms and more affordable rates with property owners, arguing that such an arrangement would help protect them from excessive charges and ensure access to safe and affordable housing.
For many learners, accommodation remains one of the biggest expenses outside tuition fees. Students say a rent increase of more than 30 per cent could force some to seek cheaper and potentially less suitable housing farther from the university. They are urging the university to engage landlords and other stakeholders to find a sustainable solution before the rising cost of accommodation pushes more students into financial hardship.
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The students maintain that affordable and secure housing is essential to their academic success and are appealing for urgent intervention to prevent further increases in rental charges.
By Kithinji Njeru
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