Kenyatta University (KU) has selected Africa Integras, a New York-based firm which invests in university infrastructure, as the preferred bidder for developing accommodation infrastructure for its students.

The preferred bidder has done similar work in the UK, the US as well as Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Africa Integras is managed by the Christie Company, which also serves as the project developer. AECOM and Broll Facilities Management Ltd. have representation on the management team and partner on project implementation.

The team will build the hostel on a 20-acre piece of land in the university's main campus. The project involves the provision of housing for about 10,000 students, as per the following percentages:

• Undergraduate sharing Hostels to accommodate 93.5%
• Postgraduate sharing Hostels to accommodate 5%
• Postgraduate bedsitters/studios Hostels to accommodate 1.5%

The project will be developed on a built, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. The contract will have a period between 15 years and 20 years.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is advising KU on the project. Evans Kamau, investment officer with the IFC commented:

"Africa Integras is now in the final negotiations with the university in order to pick the final partners."

"The project proposal will be forwarded to the PPP steering committee, the Attorney General and then the Cabinet for final approval after which construction can commence."

According to the Economic Survey 2014, student enrolment in public universities stood at 276,349 last year, a 97 % increase from 139,770 in 2010. Kenyatta University admitted 70,006 students last year, which represented a 115 % increase from the 32,588 students it enrolled within the same four-year period.

KU offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees, and medical and law degrees through 11 campuses.