University of Nairobi (UON) students have protested a steep increase in accommodation fees, accusing the administration of exploitation despite what they describe as deplorable hostel conditions.

The University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) claims the charges have surged from Sh6,000 in 2021 to as much as Sh43,000 annually, pushing many students to seek cheaper but unsafe housing outside campus.

UNSA says the administration has repeatedly ignored calls to lower the fees, fuelling growing discontent ahead of the upcoming first-year intake.

The student body is now demanding an immediate fee reduction and has threatened to shut down the campus and disrupt traffic in Nairobi’s central business district if their concerns are not addressed.

“Accommodation fees must fall. If they don’t, there will be no UON. We will shut down all the gates and block traffic in the CBD,” UNSA leaders said during a press briefing on Monday.

Appalling hostel conditions

UNSA president Derick Troy Rusana criticised the university for increasing hostel charges from Sh6,000 in 2021 to Sh43,000 annually, despite what he termed “appalling” hostel conditions.

“We are here because we are in pain and have nowhere to sleep. We are here to say there will be no first-year admissions to the University of Nairobi,” Rusana said, urging incoming students to delay reporting until the matter is resolved.

“Do not download admission letters. Do not pack. Stay at home. You cannot come into a broken system with unpainted rooms, squeaky beds, and untiled floors.”

Rusana said no academic activities would resume until the administration reduces the fees.

“We cannot continue living in such conditions and paying Sh43,000. There will be no September-December semester unless the fees are reviewed,” he said.

Appeals ignored

He accused the university’s vice-chancellor of ignoring repeated appeals despite promises to address the issue.

“We demanded the immediate lowering of accommodation fees to a just and affordable rate as previously agreed upon, but the vice-chancellor has refused and employed delay tactics,” he said in a notice dated July 17.

“The current rates are unsustainable and continue to place an unfair burden on students, many of whom come from financially struggling backgrounds. Your continued silence is unacceptable.”

Frustrating students

Patrick Owino, a member of the university’s council of governors, slammed the management for deliberately frustrating students.