Several universities have released accommodation guidelines for first-year students joining the 2026/2027 academic year, advising learners to apply early as hostel spaces remain limited.
The universities have outlined different booking procedures, including online applications, student portal registration, payment requirements and deadlines, as thousands of students prepare to report for their first year.
While some institutions have enough capacity to accommodate a section of their students, a number have warned that hostel allocation is not guaranteed and have encouraged learners to consider private accommodation options.
University Accommodation Guide 2026/2027 for First Years
University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi (UoN) provides affordable and secure accommodation to students on a competitive basis.
The university has a bed capacity of more than 10,000, with students allocated rooms through a secure online room application system.
UoN has also partnered with private hostel owners within Nairobi to provide alternative accommodation options for students who may not secure university rooms.
The private hostels include Qejani Chiromo, Qwetu Hostels, YMCA and Golfview Sports Hostels.
Students with queries on the online room application process can contact the university through hamis@uonbi.ac.ke or telephone numbers 0204913433 and 0204913405.
Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University has opened online room applications for first-year KUCCPS and Self-Sponsored Programme (SSP) students joining in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Students interested in university accommodation are required to apply using their student email accounts through https://hostel.ku.ac.ke.
The university warned that submitting an application does not guarantee room allocation due to limited bed spaces. Successful applicants will be notified through the accommodation website http://accommodation.ku.ac.ke
Kenyatta University also reminded students that accommodation fees are not refundable, transferable or reversible once a room has been allocated and invoiced.
Students were cautioned against paying individuals claiming they can secure hostel rooms.
They can contact the accommodation office through 0208703684 or email enquiries-accommodation@ku.ac.ke for assistance.
JKUAT
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) directed first-year students to book accommodation through the official hostel portal https://hostel.jkuat.ac.ke.
The university advised first-year students to complete their admission system details and upload documents listed in their admission letters before attempting hostel booking.
Students have also been advised not to pay accommodation fees before successfully booking a room.
Karatina University
Karatina University has opened hostel booking for first-year students through https://karu.ac.ke/hostel-and-accommodation-booking/.
Students are required to access the admissions portal https://admissions.karu.ac.ke using their KCSE index numbers.
After logging in, students must update personal details before accessing the accommodation option. The accommodation tab only appears after students upload their admission documents.
Successful applicants are required to make payment through the eCitizen platform using M-Pesa.
Students must have KSh6,500 available in their M-Pesa accounts before completing payment.
After payment, students will receive a room agreement form through their university email.
Kirinyaga University
Kirinyaga University announced that internal ladies’ hostels are fully booked.
Students seeking accommodation have been advised to consider private hostels available through the student website http://students.kyu.ac.ke under the accommodation section.
Machakos University
Machakos University announced that there are limited bed spaces available in university hostels.
Interested students are required to apply online through https://www.mksu.ac.ke. The deadline for applications is August 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Successful applicants will be notified through the university website and required to pay accommodation fees of KSh5,000 through official university bank accounts.
The university will provide accommodation for the first academic year.
Egerton University
Egerton University requires all new full-time first-year undergraduate students to reside within the university. Priority for accommodation is also given to new full-time international students, students living with disabilities and continuing registered students.
Each hostel room is equipped with a study table, chair, closet, bed and a high-density mattress for every occupant.
At the end of every academic year, all rooms are declared vacant based on hostel occupancy and room type. The Rooms Allocation Committee then sets aside rooms for first-year students and students living with disabilities.
After paying the required accommodation fees, students must submit the payment receipt together with a completed Lease Agreement Form (EU/APD/FM/14) to the Chief Halls Officer (CHO).
A room will be allocated within one day after the student completes the required inventory forms (EU/APD/FM/15 and EU/APD/FM/24).
Kisii University
Students can book hostel accommodation online through the Kisii University Student Portal or Huduma Bora Platform after completing fee payment and admission approval.
The university said rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited spaces.
Students have been encouraged to complete the process early to improve their chances of securing accommodation.
Maseno University
Maseno University has opened hostel booking for all first-year students joining the institution.
Students are required to complete the accommodation inventory and submit it during reporting.
The booking process involves logging into the student portal, selecting the accommodation option and clicking room booking.
They should then pay accommodation fees through the portal, choose a preferred hostel and book a space.
Students can access updates through https://maseno.ac.ke/.
Kibabii University
Kibabii University has issued hostel booking guidelines for first-year students joining in 2026.
Students are required to access https://portal.kibu.ac.ke.
The booking process involves entering the registration number under Student No/Employee No, using the same registration number as the password, logging into the portal, selecting Admission then Hostel Booking, choosing the session, hostel and room, and clicking Book to reserve a space.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has given first-year students priority for hostel allocation but said accommodation is not guaranteed because of limited bed spaces.
Online hostel booking will run from August 3 to August 14, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students who successfully book rooms will be required to pay accommodation fees after confirmation and present payment receipts to the Finance Department on the reporting day.
Students who do not secure on-campus accommodation will be expected to make their own arrangements with private hostel owners.
Hostel booking is available through https://portal.mmust.ac.ke. Students should log in using their registration number as both the username and password in uppercase letters, click Admission, select Hostel Booking, choose Semester I (2026/2027), select their preferred hostel and room, then submit the application.
For assistance, contact 0702597360, 0733120020 or email hostelbooking@mmust.ac.ke.
Chuka University
Chuka University opened online hostel booking for students from July 13, 2026. Allocation will be done on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited spaces.
Students can access the portal https://portal.chuka.ac.ke/.
The booking process involves logging into the student portal, selecting Hostel Booking, choosing a hostel, selecting a room and bed space, confirming the booking and making payment.
Students have 30 minutes to complete payment after reserving a space. Failure to do so will result in the room being released.
The university provides facilities including Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, wardrobes, mattresses, beds, study tables and security services.
For enquiries, contact 020-2361086 or email nyumba@chuka.ac.ke.
Moi University
Moi University has released procedures for students seeking university accommodation, with all room bookings required to be completed online.
Students should access https://www.mu.ac.ke or directly https://portal.mu.ac.ke.
First-time users are required to click Forgot Password, enter their registration number and reset their password through the link sent to their email.
After logging in, students should select Accommodation, click Hostel Booking, choose their preferred hostel, select an available room and vacant space, then click Book Space and confirm by selecting “Yes, Book it!”
Students who have paid fees and room charges will receive a room invoice and inventory form for verification during reporting.
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