KARATINA UNIVERSITY HOSTS STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING WITH LANDLORDS AND HOSTEL OWNERS

Karatina University convened a key stakeholders’ meeting with landlords and hostel owners on 30th June 2025 to strengthen partnerships that support the welfare, safety, and holistic development of students residing off-campus. The forum was part of the University’s continued efforts to improve relations with stakeholders and the broader community. The meeting brought together members of the University Management,
student representatives, and local landlords for open dialogue aimed at charting the way  forward on shared concerns.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus M. Gitonga, emphasized on the need for close collaboration between the University and the community in creating a safe and conducive environment for students. He noted the rapid increase in student population, with over 10,000 students currently residing off-campus and the numbers expected to rise in the coming academic years. He further, encouraged further investment in student housing to meet growing demand and called on landlords to prioritize safety and responsible property management.

“This place is yours—you own it,” Prof. Gitonga told the landlords. “Let’s walk together to build a supportive environment for our students. We must prepare for the future and treat every student as we would our own child.”

On the other hand, Prof. Franklin Wabwoba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs, commended landlords for their continued support and emphasized that the university allows for year-round tenancy and mutual benefit. He also encouraged landlords to show compassion, especially to students facing financial or emotional challenges, and urged them to report any cases of concern such as drug use or mental
health struggles early.

A section of landlords and hostel owners attentively follow proceedings during the stakeholder engagement forum at Karatina University.

Local leaders, including the area chief and village elders, acknowledged the uniqueness of today’s youth and the challenges they face. They encouraged landlords to take a proactive approach in identifying struggling students and offer guidance, particularly on sensitive issues like drug use, suicide, and cohabitation.

Key discussions and resolutions included:

• Encouragement for landlords to adopt basic firefighting equipment, ensure professional wiring, and consider property insurance.
• Calls to strengthen student safety and security, including proposals for a local police post and increased lighting.
• Emphasis on respectful and lawful conflict resolution regarding rent arrears and safeguarding of students’ property.
• Suggestions for a University emergency hotline and a formal grievance-handling mechanism for landlords.
• Plans to establish a physical office for landlord engagement and orientation on hostel registration processes.
• Acknowledgment of the need for mental health sensitization days and better tracking of students’ movement in and out of hostels.

Student leaders thanked the University and landlords for their continued collaboration and emphasized the need for early intervention in cases of drug use and behavioral concerns. They also encouraged the protection of student property during breaks and fair treatment in rent disputes.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus M. Gitonga, gesticulates passionately as he addresses landlords and hostel owners during the stakeholder engagement forum, emphasizing shared responsibility in creating a safe and supportive environment for students.

In his closing remarks, the VC encouraged landlords to work with the University to build a stronger academic town. He expressed willingness to lobby for support from the County Government, including the possibility of a police patrol vehicle, social workers,and collaborative town infrastructure development.

“Let us continue walking together. I told you we will build this University until people are shaken. God willing, that day is coming. Let’s build for our children.” – Prof. Linus M.Gitonga