Kenyatta University Raises Food Prices, Strains Students' Budgets: "Githeri 40?"

• The registrar's office at Kenyatta University has modified food prices served in the students' kitchen, effective from the 2023/24 academic year
• New pricelist showed hikes of KSh 5-10 for various items, sparking an uproar among students who complained about the increased financial burden
• While some students voice dismay at the KSh 5-10 hikes, others find the menu affordable and suitable considering the prevailing living costs

Nairobi - The registrar's office at Kenyatta University has reviewed the prices of foods served in the students' kitchen.

The internal memo from the university registrar stated that the new food prices would take effect from the 2023/24 new academic year.

The memo listed over 25 types of foods and drinks with reviewed prices different from the usual price list.

Digging deeper into the pocket

Some students from the school said that the prices had been hiked by KSh 5 while others had a KSh 10 raise.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Warren Kinuthia said it will be a challenge since their pocket money had not budgeted for a hike. The current economy makes it difficult to explain to parents.

"Comrades will not be able to afford three meals a day. Personally, it will be very hard to explain to parents about the new changes for the monthly pocket money. We can't go to class on empty stomachs," Kinuthia said.

They said there was an uproar over the new prices, complaining that being a comrade has become a lot of work lately.

According to the new price list, Kenyatta University students will spend KSh 15 for chapati, KSh 10 for Mandazi and around KSh 20 for African tea.

For lunch, a student of the same institution can spend a total of KSh 60 on a simple meal and the same amount for dinner.

Initially, for the same portion and type of food, the comrades could spend around KSh 30, meaning the prices have doubled.

Netizens react

Reacting to the price list on Facebook under a post by satirist Gabriel Oguda, Nyambaka Nyambaka questioned the size of the food per plate.

"The issue is the quantity of that food. How big is the ndazi? Can it beat what is sold at Sokoro Hotel in Nyamache ama zile hotel ziko Emenwa and Rionyiego where ndazi is 10 bob? Na hiyo chai sukari ishatiwa ama unajiongezea? Ugali ni ya kawaida ama kisiagi? Kuku ni kienyeji ama broiler? Na, what fraction of a whole kuku is that going for 100?" a passionate Nyambaka asked.

Bantu Kivai claimed that it was too expensive for students, disclosing that he used to buy the cheapest meals during his time.

"Ugali for 25 is extortion. It used to be ugali beans 10 for the worst of the worst times," Kivai said.

Emmanuel Orwa said:

"This is a fairly priced MENU and affordable considering the current cost of living."

VC Paul Wainaina returns to office after suspension

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina was reinstated after he was suspended over the institution's land brawl on Thursday, November 3.

Wainaina was suspended for allegedly refusing to hand over a piece of land to the State to construct a World Health Organisation (WHO) hub at the institution.

"God used the new government to allow wrongs to be rectified using our fundamental principles. For me, to be alive today is a miracle. I knew the fury that was coming after taking my stand," the university don explained.

The philosopher had earlier negated allegations that he had resigned from his position, saying some factors led to his exit from the university.