The National Government has launched multi-billion shilling institutional housing projects across Kisumu County aimed at addressing student accommodation shortages in institutions of higher learning.
The programme, being implemented through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will deliver a total of 8,200 bed spaces across universities, technical colleges, and vocational training institutions in the county’s seven sub-counties.
According to Principal Secretary for Interior Dr Raymond Omollo, the projects are expected to significantly improve students’ welfare while enhancing access to education.
“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 capacity hostel at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga KMTC.
The contractor is awaiting site handover before construction begins.
The government has also finalized designs for a 1,720-bed capacity hostel project at Kisumu National Polytechnic valued at Sh949 million.
At Uzima University, plans are underway to construct 2,640 hostel units at an estimated cost of Sh1.4 billion.
“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 is set to benefit from a 580-bed capacity hostel and related infrastructure at a cost of Sh290 million.
Another Sh159 million has been allocated for a 360-bed capacity hostel at Ng’eny Technical and Vocational College.
Kisumu West Sub-county will also benefit significantly, with Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) earmarked for a 1,720-bed capacity hostel project worth Sh949 million.
The contractor has already taken over the site.
Maseno University is also set to receive 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 capacity hostel at Nyakach Technical and Vocational College.
Nyando Technical and Vocational College will receive a 360-bed capacity hostel under a Sh159 million contract, while Seme Technical and Vocational College is set to benefit from a 580-bed capacity hostel costing Sh290 million.
Education stakeholders in the region have welcomed the initiative, saying it will ease accommodation challenges that have affected students for years.
“This is a major boost for institutions in Kisumu because many students struggle to secure decent accommodation outside campuses,” said a local education official familiar with the projects.
The government says the institutional housing programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen higher education infrastructure and improve learning conditions across the country.
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