Multimedia University of Kenya Council and the Affordable Housing Board held a consultative meeting to assess progress on the ongoing MMU Affordable Student Hostels Project, a key initiative under the National Affordable Housing Programme aimed at increasing access to safe, quality, and affordable student accommodation.
The project entails the construction of three modern hostel blocks with a total capacity of 2,500 students. It will also include an underground water tank to ensure uninterrupted water supply. Both the Affordable Housing Board and the University Council described the project as a game-changer for the University.
Speaking during the meeting, Council Chair, Dr. Albert Kochei, emphasized the importance of strong governance in the successful implementation of the project. He further expressed gratitude to the national government, under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, for extending the affordable housing initiative to public universities.
He noted that the project comes at a critical time, given the increased student admissions and described it as transformative for students by ensuring they have decent accommodation within the University. He assured the Board that the University Council remains committed to providing strategic oversight and ensuring that the project aligns with the University’s long-term development goals.
The Chairperson of the Affordable Housing Board, Mr. Jeremiah Simu, noted that accessibility considerations have been incorporated, including a ramp on the ground floor and lifts for students with disabilities. He underscored the Government’s commitment to fast-track the project, stating that the contractor is already ahead of schedule, an indicator that the project will be completed on time.
He further explained that the project implementation team will ensure quality standards are upheld and reiterated that close monitoring will continue throughout implementation.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. O. Maranga, expressed gratitude to the national government for selecting MMU for this initiative. “We thank the President for this project, which has come to provide decent accommodation to our students. The progress so far has been impressive and the modern hostels will ensure that our students enjoy a conducive learning environment, enhancing the overall student experience,” the VC said.
She highlighted that completion of the project will address the challenge of inadequate student accommodation, enabling the University to host more students on campus. “Research shows that learners perform better academically, have higher morale, and enjoy improved overall well-being when they are in a safe, supportive and conducive environment,” Prof. Rosebella Maranga added.