Real estate firm builds USD8 Million modern hostels targeting over 1,000 Kenyan students

david nganga

April 19, 2018 6:46 PM

The model of the project was implemented to reflect global trends in hostel development

The self-contained hostels located in Ruaraka and Jogoo Road have have a combined 734 rooms and will target at least1,170 university and college students.

Each hostel will be equipped with a fridge, a cooker, a bed, a microwave, a wardrobe at a cost of Ksh 22,000 shillings per month. Similarly, the rooms will be Wifi enabled and have free shuttle services to pick and drop students to and from school.

“Living with Qwetu isn’t just about buildings, it’s about safe, secure homes where you can study and socialise in comfort. Qwetu is an inspirational place for students to live and work. We ensure that you have everything you need to feel safe, calm and at home than any other student accommodation out there, " said the firm's sales and marketing consultant, Iain White.

The firm used debt financing from banks to build the hostels with plans to build about 40 more hostels in the country.

Global trends

The model of the project, White says, was implemented to reflect global trends in hostel development where students were looking for accommodation and transport solutions as a package.

“We see a huge gap in the hostels’ sector; we are bringing this type of model in Nairobi to sort out the issues parents go through to find a suitable place for their children to study comfortably without fear,” White added.

Security is secured with biometric access to the building and exclusive access to rooms with a keycard.

“So far, the uptake has been good with about 400 students already in our two premises, since we launched in 2017. Students are from 26 institutions and 20 nationalities,” White added

david nganga