The national government has rolled out multi-billion-shilling institutional housing projects across Kisumu County in a major push to address the persistent shortage of student accommodation in institutions of higher learning.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo said the government plans to deliver at least 8,200 bed spaces across universities, technical colleges, and vocational training institutions spread across Kisumu’s seven sub-counties.
Dr. Omollo said the ambitious programme is aimed at improving students’ welfare, enhancing access to education, and creating a more conducive learning environment.
“We are investing heavily in institutional housing to ensure students have safe and affordable accommodation within their learning institutions,” said Dr. Omollo.
In Kisumu Central Sub-county, the government has awarded a Sh290 million contract for the construction of a 580-bed hostel at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). The contractor is awaiting site handover before construction begins.
The government has also finalized designs for a 1,720-bed hostel project at Kisumu National Polytechnic, estimated to cost Sh949 million.
At Uzima University, plans are underway to construct 2,640 hostel units at an estimated cost of Sh1.4 billion, making it one of the largest institutional housing projects in the region.
“These projects are not only about housing students but also about creating a conducive learning environment that supports academic excellence,” Dr. Omollo added.
In Muhoroni Sub-county, Nyang’oma Technical and Vocational College will benefit from a 580-bed hostel and related infrastructure worth Sh290 million, while Ng’eny Technical and Vocational College is set to receive a 360-bed hostel under a Sh159 million project.
Kisumu West Sub-county is also earmarked for major investments. Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) will receive a 1,720-bed hostel project valued at Sh949 million, with the contractor already having taken over the site.
Maseno University is set to benefit from 1,160 hostel units and supporting infrastructure at a cost of Sh631 million.
In Nyakach Sub-county, the government has allocated Sh290 million for the construction of a 580-bed hostel at Nyakach Technical and Vocational College.
Nyando Technical and Vocational College will receive a 360-bed hostel under a Sh159 million contract, while Seme Technical and Vocational College is set to benefit from a 580-bed hostel project costing Sh290 million.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will ease accommodation challenges that have long affected students in the region.
“This is a major boost for institutions in Kisumu because many students struggle to secure decent accommodation outside campuses,” said an education official familiar with the projects.
The government says the institutional housing programme forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen higher education infrastructure, improve learning conditions, and expand access to quality education across the country.
