Members of University of Nairobi Students Association at the press briefing at the University of Nairobi main campus on July 21, 2025/NAOMI WAMAITHAThe University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) has called for an immediate reduction of accommodation fees, threatening to shut down the institution and disrupt traffic in Nairobi’s Central Business District if their demands are not met.
“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,” the students said.
At a press briefing on Monday, UNSA president Troy Rusana criticised the increase in accommodation charges from Sh6,000 in 2021 to Sh43,000 per year. He also raised concerns about the state of hostels, which he described as poorly maintained.
“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.
The association urged first-year students to delay reporting for the new semester until their grievances are addressed.
“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 added.
UNSA declared that learning would not resume until the accommodation fees are lowered.
“We cannot continue living in such conditions and paying Sh43,000. There will be no September-December semester unless the fees are reviewed,” the students said.
Patrick Owino, a member of the Council of Governors at UON, claimed the administration had failed to address student concerns.
“Unfortunately, the university management appears to be using delay tactics to frustrate new students, yet they promote the message ‘UON cares’. Who exactly do they care for?” Owino asked.
He urged the university to issue a written confirmation of a financial committee recommendation to set accommodation fees at Sh20,000.
“We want that document sent to students via email. If not, we will shut down the university,” Owino warned.
Elisha Wasike, UNSA Secretary General and a medical student, said poor hostel conditions had forced some students to seek accommodation in unsafe areas, exposing them to risks.
The student leaders are also demanding the establishment of a fully functioning university council.
“No admission of first-years will be allowed if the accommodation fee remains unchanged and if a university council is not in place,” Wasike said.
Referencing past student protests, UNSA said it was prepared to take similar action.
“We’ve had strikes before, during Babu’s time, and we’re ready to do it again,” Wasike said.
He appealed to parents to hold off on sending their children to UON until the issues are resolved.
“Parents, don’t bring your children here yet. We must restore the dignity of this institution,” he said.
