Relief for ‘Comrades’ as MMUST Breaks Ground on Ksh. 500 M Student Hostel Complex, to Ease Accommodation Shortages!
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has officially flagged off the construction of a Ksh. 500 million ultra-modern hostel complex. On 19th November 2025, the University hosted a delegation from Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme, Western Region, to mark the commencement of this highly anticipated project, which is set to end the perennial accommodation and security challenges facing the student fraternity. The initiative will deliver 1,200 rooms in its first phase within 18 months, offering a secure, affordable alternative for thousands of learners currently reliant on private rentals.
Light moments of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and area MCA, Mr. Moses Musundi with a section of student leaders.
Speaking during the groundbreaking celebrations, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, welcomed the project, pointing out that his dedication to student welfare has been the driving force behind it. He recalled that the conversation for institutional housing began due to pressing security issues faced by students in off-campus accommodation, noting that while establishing police posts has helped, the hostels are the ultimate solution to this crisis.
“I thank His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for bringing this great initiative to MMUST. As our student population continues to increase, I believe this will go a long way in meeting the growing demand for safe, affordable, and quality accommodation for our learners. I urge you not to stifle the project but to support up to its completion,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaks at the event.
Reiterating the project’s importance, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) – Prof. Hussein Golicha noted that the hostels will enhance student life and experience.
“This is a very important project for the students. I am confident that they will enjoy it, as it will boost their academic environment and visibly enhance the face of MMUST. We cannot wait to see it completed in the 18 months as promised,” he stated.
Representing the student body, MMUSO President- Mr. Collins Sankale expressed his excitement and relief regarding the new development. He highlighted that the project is the culmination of long-standing student advocacy. “As the student body, we are incredibly excited about this project. It has been a key discussion point for some time, and we are elated to finally see it actualized. While I know some of us will graduate before its completion, this is a commendable and generational achievement. We thank the Vice Chancellor for diligently lobbying for this initiative. As comrades, we say thank you,” he said.
MMUSO President- Mr. Collins Sankale makes his remarks.
Similarly, the Lead of the Affordable Housing Programme for the Western Region, Mr. Rodgers Wakhungu, restated that the initiative directly addresses the national crisis of students residing in unsafe and costly areas due to overstretched institutional accommodation across the country.
In turn, the Technical Lead for Western Region, Architect Leonard Marwa, provided details on the extensive scope of the complex. “The plan includes a wide array of auxiliary services within the first phase, such as laundry services, retail spaces (shops, mini mart), fast food outlets, lounges, indoor games areas, and break out spaces. Water supply will be secured through a borehole connecting to an underground reservoir and supplementary tanks. Phase two will incorporate recreational amenities including a student centre, club house, swimming pool, and outdoor sports facilities for basketball and other activities. The project will also generate significant local economic activity, guaranteeing 70% local labor utilization and providing internship opportunities for MMUST engineering students. As we hand over this project to the contractor today, I believe that it will be ready for utilization by May 2027, allowing students to immediately benefit from the facilities,” he said.
The Lead of the Affordable Housing Programme for the Western Region, Mr. Rodgers Wakhungu addresses the participants.
Speaking on behalf of the university unions, the UASU Chair, Mr. Robinson Oduma lauded the project as a critical milestone for the entire university community, commending the government and stakeholders for prioritizing MMUST. “This is a milestone project because its benefits extend far beyond the student body. As the student population grows, permanent jobs are created, not just for those involved in this construction, but for the university itself. We are grateful to the government for recognizing our needs and are eager to see this project completed,” stated Mr. Oduma.
The area MCA- Mr. Moses Musundi joins MMUST Choir during the entertainment session.
On his part, the area MCA- Mr. Moses Musundi underscored the project’s role in driving the County’s economy. “I must thank the Vice Chancellor for diligently pursuing this project to fruition. We are particularly grateful for the directive involving the Jua Kali sector, MMUST, and local laborers in the execution of this initiative. MMUST is the central industry we have in Kakamega County and its expansion directly fuels our economic growth. We must collectively support this expansion because when the student population increases, all other local businesses will thrive in the process,” he explained.
To realize 100% completion, the project targets 10,000 units. Indeed, this scale will provide a permanent solution to the university’s pledge to provide safe, affordable, and quality accommodation for all learners.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
