Kibabii University has officially handed over space to a contractor, marking the start of the construction of affordable student hostels under the Government of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, 4th December 2025 at the University grounds, was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Development), Prof. Donald Siamba.
In his remarks, Prof. Siamba reaffirmed the University’s alignment with the Government’s development priorities, noting that the project directly advances the national Affordable Housing pillar of the Big Four Agenda. He welcomed the partnership with Boma Yangu, and observed that the initiative is timely given the acute accommodation deficit at the University. Currently, a significant number of students reside in off-campus premises, some of which fall below acceptable habitability standards. He emphasized that the Government’s intervention will greatly enhance student welfare, improve safety, and create a more conducive learning environment. The construction of the 1,344 capacity hostels is expected to be completed within one year.
The development comprises two seven-storey blocks, each fitted with rooms designed for either double or single occupancy, with the standard rooms accommodating four students and the bedsitter rooms designed for individual living. Each block will feature toilets, bathrooms, and kitchenettes, alongside lifts, laundry areas, indoor recreational spaces, and both underground and rooftop water storage systems. Hot-water shower installations, CCTV ducting, fire safety infrastructure, and a powerhouse with a standby generator are part of the design to ensure safety, comfort, and uninterrupted service delivery. Beyond the hostels, the contractor will also develop key complementary facilities including a drilled borehole or water spring, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a comprehensive waste management system, and a basketball court. The new hostels will be fully furnished and equipped to meet modern student living standards, helping the University to significantly enhance its on-campus accommodation capacity.
The Government of Kenya, through the Big Four Agenda, has prioritized Affordable Housing, Universal Health Coverage, Manufacturing, and Food Security as key drivers of long-term social and economic transformation. Within this national framework, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) is spearheading the Affordable Housing Programme, which includes the construction of housing units, modern markets, and institutional hostels across the country. Kibabii University is among the institutions earmarked for this transformative programme, with 25 institutional accommodation projects identified within the Western region.
In keeping with the Government’s directive on community empowerment and job creation, 70 percent of the project’s workforce will be drawn from the local community. Kibabii University students, particularly those pursuing relevant academic programmes were encouraged to participate for hands-on learning and practical exposure. Local suppliers and service providers were also urged to apply for opportunities within the project’s supply chain, ensuring broad-based community benefit.
