Kenyatta University Warns Against Fake Fee Increase Memo Circulating on Social Media

Nairobi — Kenyatta University has issued an urgent alert to students and the general public regarding a fraudulent notice circulating on social media platforms that falsely claims students must pay an additional KSh10,000 this semester.

The university administration released an official statement on Monday, February 2, 2026, explicitly denouncing the fake memorandum and urging students to disregard the misleading information.

Details of the Fraudulent Notice

The counterfeit document claimed all students were required to remit KSh10,000 and submit academic reports for the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year by January 28, 2026. The fabricated memo has been widely shared across various social media channels, causing confusion among students and parents.

Kenyatta University categorically stated that no payment is necessary for submitting end-of-semester or academic reports, and warned against making any financial transactions or sharing personal information based on the fraudulent communication.

Official Communication Channels Outlined

The institution emphasized that all legitimate university announcements are distributed exclusively through verified channels. These official communication platforms include student email accounts, the KU student portal, verified Kenyatta University social media pages, and the institution’s official website.

“This document is fake. Kenyatta University has not issued any such memo requiring students to pay KSh10,000 or submit school reports by that date for the stated purpose,” the university’s statement declared.

The administration stressed that students and parents should only respond to communications received through these authenticated channels and should immediately report any suspicious messages to relevant authorities.

Government Commitment to Affordable University Education

The fraudulent memo emerges against the backdrop of government assurances regarding university fee stability. The Ministry of Education confirmed last month that no fee increases would be implemented at public universities this year, particularly as over 250,000 candidates from the 2024 KCSE examinations prepare to transition to tertiary institutions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba addressed fee concerns during the release of the 2024 KCSE results in Uasin Gishu on January 9, 2026, outlining government strategies to maintain accessible higher education for all Kenyans.

Fee Rationalization Framework

According to CS Ogamba, public university fees have undergone rationalization, with reductions ranging from 15 to 40 percent across different programs. Current semester costs now fall within a range of KSh5,800 to KSh75,000, depending on the course of study.

“At the tertiary level, we are implementing the Student-Centred Funding Model, which provides students and trainees with scholarships and loans based on need,” Ogamba explained during the January announcement.

The funding model aims to ensure financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from accessing university education, with support allocated according to individual economic circumstances.

Rising Threat of Education Sector Scams

The incident highlights growing concerns about fraudulent schemes targeting students and parents in Kenya’s education sector. Scammers increasingly use official-looking documents and social media platforms to deceive unsuspecting families into making unauthorized payments or divulging sensitive personal information.

University administrators have urged the academic community to exercise heightened vigilance when receiving communications requesting financial payments, particularly those shared through unofficial channels or lacking proper institutional authentication.

Students and parents are advised to verify any communication regarding fees or payments by directly contacting university administration through official channels before taking any action or making financial transfers.

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