University seeks investors to build hostels in Narok

Maasai Mara University in Narok is seeking investors to build hostels to cater for 7,000 students in need of accommodation. The university plans to offer accommodation to only first year students who started reporting a few days ago, while continuing students will be forced to rent houses in Narok town.

The university has 9,000 students, but can only house 2,000 within the university’s hostels, with the rest expected to seek for alternative accommodation. Vice chancellor Mary Walingo said the university intends to concentrate on its core duty of teaching while allowing investors to put up hostels.

“I am calling on private investors and the community around to use the opportunity available to invest and build hostels and accommodation facilitates for students around the university. We also intend to enter into long-term agreements with contractors to help build facilities, not only for accommodation, but for international conferences,” she said.

Most public universities in the country have been hit by an accommodation crisis as more students join every year. Institutions are partnering with private investors to build new academic and residential facilities, as high enrolment numbers pile pressure on the cash-and-space-strapped institutions. Others are turning to private equity funds to build infrastructure.

In Narok, the rise in student numbers and the subsequent expansion of universities has led to mushrooming of mega-housing projects as developers cash in on demand for hostel facilities. “Maasai Mara University has brought in an influx of students and staff who need accommodation hence the increased demand for housing in the town,” said Lankeu ole Reson, an officer at the university’s marketing department.

Demand for office space has also risen in recent months as the town expands.

A World Bank report, “Doing Business in Kenya” rated Narok as the best town to do business in Kenya ahead Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisii and Nairobi with the university identified as one of the main contributors of growth. Developers are now moving to the outskirts of the town with buildings being constructed along the Narok-Bomet highway.