KISUMU, Saturday May 30th -In a sweeping move to address chronic accommodation shortages in higher learning institutions, the National Government is rolling out a Sh4.1 billion infrastructure plan that will deliver over 8,200 new student bed spaces across all the seven sub-counties of Kisumu.
The ambitious housing programme targets universities, technical and vocational colleges, and medical training institutions, marking one of the largest concentrated investments in student welfare infrastructure in the region.
According to a detailed report from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the seven sub-counties Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, Nyando, Seme, Nyakach, Muhoroni and Kisumu West will benefit from the initiative.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo explained that the projects go beyond mere construction, aiming to transform the learning environment for thousands of students.
“Our objective is to guarantee that learners have access to dignified and affordable housing within their institutions,” Dr Omollo said. “These hostels will create a supportive atmosphere for academic success while significantly improving student welfare.”
In Kisumu Central, a Sh290 million contract has already been awarded for a 580-bed hostel at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), with the contractor awaiting site handover.
Dr Omollo noted that the facility will ease pressure on students forced to seek expensive and often unsafe private rentals.
The largest single allocation in the programme is Sh1.4 billion for Uzima University, where designs are complete for 2,640 hostel units.
Meanwhile, Kisumu National Polytechnic is set for a Sh949 million project delivering 1,720 beds, now at the design stage before advertisement.
Muhoroni Sub County will see Sh290 million invested in a 580-bed hostel at Nyang’oma Technical and Vocational College, with the contractor already identified. Neighbouring Ng’eny Technical and Vocational College has received Sh159 million for a 360-bed facility, with designs finalized.
In Kisumu West, Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) is already moving forward with a Sh949 million project for 1,720 beds.
“The RIAT contract has been awarded and the site handed over to the contractor,” Dr Omollo confirmed.
Maseno University follows closely with a Sh631 million project for 1,160 hostel units, complete with supporting infrastructure. The contract has been awarded and awaits site handover.
Nyakach Technical and Vocational College is receiving Sh290 million for a 580-bed hostel, while in Nyando Sub County, construction is poised to begin on a Sh159 million, 360-bed facility after site handover.
Seme Technical and Vocational College rounds out the list with a Sh290 million, 580-bed project, with the contractor awaiting site access.
Local residents have welcomed the developments, pointing to reduced transport costs for students who previously commuted long distances, enhanced safety and a more focused academic environment.
“This is a game changer,” said a community leader in Nyakach. “Our children will no longer waste hours travelling or living in cramped, unsuitable rooms.”
Dr Omollo reiterated that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to accommodate rising enrolment in tertiary institutions while easing pressure on urban housing markets around college campuses.
Once complete, the 8,200 beds are expected to serve thousands of students annually, with priority given to those from vulnerable backgrounds.
Construction is expected to ramp up across all sites within the coming months, with the government maintaining oversight to ensure timely delivery and value for money.
