President Ruto launches construction of first affordable student housing in Homa Bay

The construction of the first student accommodation under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme has commenced in Homa Bay County after President William Ruto laid the foundation stone for the Tom Mboya University Student Village.

The 2,064-bed facility is expected to address the deplorable living conditions faced by students, while meeting the growing demand for safe, affordable, and quality accommodation for university learners.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto noted that the project is the first phase of a nationwide initiative to provide 170,000 beds for students in technical training colleges, Kenya Medical Training Colleges, and universities across the country.

He added that the initiative is part of the broader Housing Fund agenda, which has already delivered 160,000 housing units in various stages of construction, alongside the development of over 400 new markets nationwide.

Ruto emphasized that the student housing programme aims to bring learners back to campus by providing them with safe, secure, and conducive study environments—reducing risks linked to unsafe off-campus housing such as muggings, sexual assault, and other forms of insecurity.

Homa Bay is the first county to benefit from this initiative, which will be progressively rolled out to other institutions nationwide.

The President further noted that the project will not only improve learning conditions but also stimulate economic activity through the supply of cement, steel, quarry materials, and other construction inputs—benefiting communities across various sectors.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the project will feature two state-of-the-art hostel blocks: one G+9 hostel block and one G+14 commercial hostel block, integrated with academic and social infrastructure. He added that the facilities are designed to foster a secure, accessible, and community-oriented environment that enables students to thrive both academically and socially.

According to the PS, the project will create more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, with priority given to local youth and women. The Homa Bay Jua Kali sector will be integrated into the project’s supply chain through ring-fenced contracts worth approximately Ksh.285 million for the supply of windows, doors, and other components.

Tom Mboya University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles O. Ochola, welcomed the project, saying it will significantly improve the quality of life for students. He expressed pride in Homa Bay being the first beneficiary of the landmark initiative, describing it as a milestone for the university and the country.