- A Kenyan programmer has introduced Rafi Studios, a multi-million real estate initiative featuring more than 300 fully equipped apartments close to JKUAT.
- The developer recognized a chance to fulfill the need for quality housing outside the campus, as the university has more than 32,000 students.
- The creator was motivated to start the project based on personal encounters with challenges related to student housing.
Elijah Ntongai, who works as an editor for .co.ke, brings more than four years of expertise in researching and reporting on financial, business, and technology topics, offering perspectives on Kenyan, African, and international trends.
Access to quality housing remains a significant issue in Kenya’s cities.
This has opened up commercial prospects for developers and investors, especially in relation to fulfilling the need for accommodation within higher education establishments.
A developer has launched a multi-million shilling housing initiative aimed at thousands of students from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT).
During a visit to the residential units, Rafi Studios, Paul Karanja from Gimco stated.co.kethe initiative includes more than 300 units and is located in a way that addresses the increasing need for high-quality, budget-friendly housing for students.
The project’s creator mentioned that their inspiration came from a personal encounter with housing difficulties during their studies.
Is there a lack of student accommodation available?
There is a high need for student accommodation in Juja and nearby regions, mainly because of JKUAT’s large enrollment of more than 32,000 students.
Karanja stated that the university currently houses approximately 2,700 students in its dormitories, leading to significant pressure for accommodation options beyond the campus.
Over 6,800 new students were assigned to JKUAT via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) in 2025 alone, leading to an increased need for private housing. This scarcity results in a continuous demand for housing outside the campus, making Rafi Studios a relevant and beneficial option in the housing sector,” Karanja noted.
Acknowledging the lack of appropriate housing near JKUAT, the developer aimed to address the issue by introducing fully equipped units for purchase by investors, offering students nearby accommodation that is easy to access.
The residential buildings are situated in Juja, just a five-minute walk away from JKUAT. The studios come in various sizes to meet the unique requirements of the wide range of students.
Karanja mentioned that there are studios with a single bed, studios with twin beds, and one-bedroom apartments, all of which come with necessary amenities such as good-quality beds, study desks, wardrobes, and seating.
The design focuses on student comfort, featuring shared facilities like study spaces, relaxation areas, and a guest check-in zone.
What makes this a chance for investment?
As per Karanja, Rafi Studios offers a chance for local and diaspora investors to earn revenue through the real estate market.
The developer explained to.co.kethat the residential properties are available for purchase by potential investors looking to acquire the units and lease them out.
The developer expects yearly rents of KSh 288,000 for single-bedroom studios, KSh 360,000 for twin-bedroom studios, and KSh 540,000 for one-bedroom units.
As per the developer, one-bedroom studios (25 sqm) and two-bedroom studios (25 sqm) will be priced at KSh 2.4 million, while one-bedroom apartments (45 sqm) will cost KSh 4.2 million.
Karanja mentioned that the initiative provides chances for parents looking for safe housing for their kids, Kenyan expatriates seeking passive earnings, and new property buyers searching for cost-effective, easy-to-manage investments.
Is there a profitable venture in providing housing for students?
Meanwhile, Kenya’s large number of students has led to substantial investment in dedicated student housing.
In recent years, billionaire Edward Kirathe has become a significant figure in the sector via Acorn Investment Management Limited, the company responsible for Qwetu and Qejani residences.
Under Kirathe’s leadership, with him being the biggest individual investor holding 30.24% of shares, Acorn achieved a net profit of KSh 855 million in 2022 through its student dormitory operations, catering to more than 4,300 students.
Notable initiatives are Qwetu Hurlingham (832 beds), Qwetu Aberdares Heights II (601 beds), Qwetu Karen (542 beds), and Qejani Karen (808 beds).
These financial commitments indicate more than just increasing profits in student accommodation; they also highlight wider patterns of real estate diversification within a thriving young population and increasing enrollment rates.
