This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Kenya's post-secondary education institutions could attract international students by investing in proper student accommodation, a move that could boost the country's education sector.
According to KCA University vice chancellor Noah Midamba, this can only happen if Kenya institutionalises provision of accommodation with investors in student hostels that meet international standards.
Speaking during the opening of Qwetu Students' Accommodation Service Centre office at KCA's main campus in Nairobi on November 28, 2019, Professor Midamba emphasized the importance of student safety and security while creating a spacious and conducive environment for learning.
He also expressed concerns that the government may not have the capacity to manage accommodation, which is a herculean task involving large numbers of people.
Acorn Holdings chief executive Edward Kirathe, whose Qwetu-branded purpose-built students' hostels have attracted students from 53 nationalities, welcomed the partnership between KCA University and Qwetu hostel developers.
Qwetu-branded hostels, which host 1,600 students, have attracted students from countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mexico, and the Middle East.
Mr. Kirathe also announced that his company had raised Sh4.3 billion in green bond money, which will be spent on four new projects next year, and had injected Sh1.2 billion in operational costs.
