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Strengthening Students’ Accommodation: UoN and MksU Hostels Benchmarking Meeting

In a collaborative move to enhance student welfare, focusing on effective hostel management and student accommodation strategies. Machakos University (MksU) hosted the University of Nairobi (UoN) on July 22nd, 2025, the meeting brought together key representatives from both institutions, Prof. Peter Koech (Director- ODeL), Dr. Humphrey Omondi (Registrar, Administration and Planning), Dr. James Karau (Dean of students MksU), CPA Teresia Mutunga, Mary Masaku, (Head of Housekeeping Section MksU) and UoN’s Mr. Cyrus Gitonga and Mr Joseph Nyamoko. Practices aimed at strengthening student housing systems for a growing university population, shared challenges and innovative practices were exchanged.

From left Dr. James Karau , Dean of students, Mr. Joseph Nyamoko (UoN), CPA Teresia Mutunga, Cyrus Gitonga (UoN), Prof. Peter Koech, Director-ODeL, Dr. Humphrey Omondi, Registrar AP, Ms. Mary Masaku, Head of Housekeeping Section, Mr. Samuel (UoN), Mr. Joseph Katumo

Key Highlights from the Engagement

Rising Demand and Infrastructure Development

The demand for on-campus accommodation continues to rise with the increasing intake across universities in Kenya. Machakos University highlighted its ongoing partnership with the National Housing Corporation (NHC), an initiative designed to expand hostel infrastructure and address the current housing gap.

Transparent and Inclusive Allocation Systems

    Both institutions underscored the importance of digitalized and structured hostel allocation systems that prioritize:

    • First–year students
    • Students with disabilities
    • Underprivileged students through a dedicated vetting committee

    This ensures fairness, accessibility, and a streamlined booking process.

    Safety and Oversight Measures

    Student safety remains a top priority. The benchmarking discussions emphasized:

    • Regular security inspections and monitoring
    • Active complaint resolution mechanisms to address students’ concerns promptly
    • Close collaboration with university security teams and national and county enforcement agencies
    • Formal partnerships (MoUs) with vetted eternal hostel providers
    • Student-Centric Support Initiatives

    Commitment to inclusive, safe, and affordable housing was evident with focus areas including:

    • Special accommodation for students with disabilities
    • Strengthening partnerships with reputable hostel providers
    • A shared vision for creating a supportive and nurturing residential experience

    This strategic benchmarking initiative marks a critical step in improving student living conditions through shared expertise, structured collaboration and forward-looking partnerships. The insights exchanged will go a long way in shaping sustainable accommodation models that are responsive to students’ evolving needs.

    Ms. Mary Masaku offers a guided tour of the university hostel facilities during the benchmarking exercise

    This benchmarking meeting marks a significant step towards improving student living conditions through shared expertise and strategic partnerships.

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