Stella Awinja Hostel: The Only African University Hostel Named After a Student

When people think of university hostels, they often imagine buildings named after benefactors,professors or historical figures. But tucked away in Nairobi, Kenya, lies a hostel with a story unlike any other in Africa: Stella Awinja Hostel, the only hostel on the continent named after a university student.

Introducing the University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi (UON) is Kenya’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1970. It stands as a beacon of academic excellence in East Africa, with tens of thousands of students across disciplines ranging from engineering and medicine to law and the arts. UON has produced leaders, innovators and cultural icons who have shaped Kenya and the wider region. Its campuses span Nairobi, featuring iconic landmarks like the Great Court, Chiromo Campus and the bustling University Way, a lifeline connecting students to the city’s rhythm.

The Life and Legacy of Stella Awinja

Stella Awinja was a bright, charismatic third-year engineering student at University of Nairobi in 1984. A student leader and actress, she was admired for her intelligence, talent, and presence on campus. Her life ended tragically in 1984 when a stone from a construction crane struck her along University Way, striking her as she walked toward the Westlands matatu stage (a public minibus stop). The crane was hoisting materials for what would later become Lillian’s

Tower, opposite Nairobi’s Central Police Station.In a rare gesture of compassion, the University of Nairobi awarded Stella an aegrotat degree the following year, a posthumous honor given to students believed capable of completing their studies. Her parents received the degree on her behalf, a bittersweet recognition of the promise she held.

From Anne’s Hall to Stella Awinja Hostel

The building that now bears her name has its own rich history. Constructed in 1977 as Anne’s Hall, it originally hosted white-only female students, reflecting lingering segregationist practices of the era. Later, UON converted it into a women’s hostel serving students from both the Main and Chiromo campuses.

In 1990, following a heartfelt request, the university renamed the hostel Stella Awinja, ensuring that her legacy would live on. Today, students walking its corridors are daily reminders of a young woman whose brilliance, leadership, and spirit continue to inspire generations.

Why This Story Matters

Across Africa, university buildings are rarely named after students. Stella Awinja Hostel stands  as a singular tribute to the impact a student can have. It is a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring value of honoring young voices. Her story reminds us of the fragility of life, the importance of legacy and the ways institutions can celebrate brilliance, even in the face of tragedy.

Stella Awinja’s memory endures; her name lives on—not only in a hostel but as a reminder that even students can leave legacies powerful enough to shape institutions.