University of Nairobi (UoN) student leaders have suspended a planned strike set for Monday following assurances from the university administration to review and reduce the recently increased accommodation fees. The decision comes after the institution released an internal memo confirming the adoption of a report aimed at revising hostel charges.
In a notice circulated to students, the student leadership urged all learners to converge on Wednesday, August 6, at 9am to collectively receive the newly approved accommodation rates. “No strike on Monday! Instead, we are marching this Wednesday to collect the new hostel accommodation rates. Join us in making our voices heard,” the students declared.
The students had earlier voiced strong opposition to the abrupt fee hike, which saw accommodation charges rise from Ksh6,000 to Ksh43,000 annually. They had threatened a complete shutdown of university activities and disruption of operations in Nairobi’s Central Business District if the university did not address their demands.
“Should the university management fail to release the updated rates by then, we will immediately embark on total suspension of all activities within the University and the Central Business District,” read the students’ stern warning. They emphasized that they are treating the university’s internal memo as a formal commitment to resolve the issue.
The situation escalated earlier in the week when the UoN Director of Corporate Affairs, John Orindi, released a memo indicating that the university’s management had met on July 29 and adopted a report recommending a revision of accommodation fees. However, the final approval of the new rates is still pending ratification by various university governance organs.
“We implore all students to understand that university decisions are guided by various policies and regulations, which must be adhered to,” the memo read in part.
The student body, while temporarily suspending strike actions, remains firm in its position. They warned that any backtracking from the administration would prompt immediate and intensified protests.
As tensions ease slightly, all eyes are now on the university administration to fulfill its promise and provide clarity on the new accommodation structure by midweek.
