Maseno University students planning to reside in rental houses come September will have to dig deeper into their pockets compared to previous semesters after landlords increased the rents.
The landlords claimed they were not getting better returns from their investments hence the hike.
Some landlords argued that they had taken loans to make the investments and they have to repay them sooner for them to start enjoying their efforts.
“Since I put up my houses I have never enjoyed the money because it all goes to repaying the loan used to set it up, I have to clear it as soon as possible,” said Dorothy Omollo.
However, some residents believe that the move has been prompted by the new students expected to join Maseno University in September.
The varsity plans to admit about 4,500 first year students, which is the highest number ever, and are expected to be given priority when it comes to hostel allocation.
The continuing students will be thus forced to rent houses as the varsity cannot accommodate all students.
“We have been putting into consideration for a long time because we know that they are not employed, but we also need to recoup our money and increasing rent is the only way we can get better returns,” said James Omwega.
Nonetheless, landlords interviewed refuted the claims saying the move to increase rent is not in any way related to the high number of students expected at the university.
A spot check revealed that rent had been increased by at least Sh4,000