Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and a team from the Ministry of Education on Friday conducted an inspection of the ongoing Ksh 700 million student hostel project at Maseno University, emphasizing the government’s commitment to expanding accommodation facilities in higher learning institutions.
Speaking at the university’s main campus, Ogamba revealed that the construction is being financed through a loan facility secured with the support of the National Treasury, with a vision to replicate similar projects in other universities.
“Maseno University has several ongoing projects, including the construction of hostels. This initiative is funded through a loan facility supported by the National Treasury. I am here to assess progress and explore how we can extend this model to other universities that have the capacity to implement it,” Ogamba stated.
Expanding Accommodation for Local and International Students
Ogamba stressed the urgent need for additional student housing, citing plans to increase enrollment of international students, particularly from African nations, due to Kenya’s growing reputation for quality higher education programs.
“We want to ensure that we have enough hostels to accommodate first-year students upon admission. Additionally, we are preparing to admit more students from other countries, especially our African neighbors, given the nature of programs offered in Kenyan universities,” he explained.
To support this initiative, Ogamba announced that Kenya has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Guinea-Bissau and Comoros, under which each country will receive 100 government-sponsored scholarships for students to study in Kenya.
“These hostels will be crucial in accommodating international students. We have already signed MOUs with Guinea-Bissau and Comoros, offering scholarships to 100 students from each country. Their placement will depend on the degree programs they choose,” he added.
Maseno University Praised for Sound Financial Management
The Education CS lauded Maseno University’s financial discipline, noting that it does not have pending salary arrears, pension debts, or back taxes—issues that have plagued several public universities in recent years.
“Maseno is among the few universities that have no outstanding salary arrears, pension, or tax obligations. They have managed their finances well, and I want to encourage them to maintain this discipline,” Ogamba commended.
Effects of Finance Bill Rejection on University Programs
Ogamba also acknowledged the disruptions caused by the rejection of the Finance Bill, stating that it had delayed the government’s education programs, including university funding.
“The rejection of the Finance Bill disrupted some of our programs, but we have engaged university unions and discussed a return-to-work formula. Moving forward, we will ensure that salaries are paid consistently to honor our agreements,” he assured.
With the Maseno University hostel project nearing completion, education stakeholders remain optimistic that enhanced accommodation facilities will improve learning conditions and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional education hub.
