Nairobi — Property developer Acorn Holdings Limited has entered into a deal with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) to provide accommodations to 1,350 students.

This comprises 540 Qwetu beds as well as 810 Quejani beds at the Karen residences along Bogani Road.

Qwetu is Acorn's premium flagship brand that offers learners modern, safe, and secure accommodation. On the other hand, Qejani provides similar experience at a cheaper price.

"This partnership aligns itself with our vision to provide premier accommodation facilities for the student population across the continent and is part of our mission to deliver 70,000 beds to student populations in Kenya and the region," Acorn Holdings Limited CEO Edward Kirathe said.

"With the recent funding deal with the the US Development Finance Corporation (US DFC), we are confident to expand our student accommodation offering to cater for the increasing demand of the facilities for students across institutions of higher learning across the country."

Currently, CUEA is facing housing shortages for students as the number of enrolments has spiked over the years despite little investment in school accommodation.

"Between the year 2018 and 2024, the population of the University had doubled from 4000 to about 8000 students, owing to the quality education that we provide, and this is projected to grow to 12,000 students by 2030," CUEA Vice-Chancellor Stephen Mbugua Ngari stated.

"We are glad that Acorn Holdings Limited, through its flagship Qwetu and Qejani student accommodation, has now come to offer quality accommodation in a mutually beneficial partnership. We look forward to further enhancing this partnership with Acorn as our student population grows over time."

Acorn also announced the completion of Qejani Chiromo on Riverside Drive, which opened today.

The Chiromo property now increases Acorn's portfolio to 8,500 operational beds with an additional 11,500 under various stages of development.