KU Warns Students Over Fake Ksh10,000 Memo
Kenyatta University has cautioned students and members of the public against a fake memo circulating online claiming that learners are required to pay an additional Ksh10,000 this semester. The institution has dismissed the document as false and urged all stakeholders to ignore it.
In a public notice issued on Monday, January 2, the university stated that the forged memo had been widely shared on social media platforms, causing confusion among students and parents. The message alleged that every student must pay Ksh10,000 and submit school reports for Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic year by January 28.
University Denies Any New Charges
Kenyatta University clarified that there is no fee required for the submission of school or end-of-semester reports. The management emphasized that neither students nor parents should make any payments or disclose personal information based on the fraudulent communication.
“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,” read part of the official statement.
The university further warned that scammers were taking advantage of the registration period to extort money from unsuspecting families. Students were advised to remain vigilant and verify any information before acting on it.
Official Channels of Communication
According to the institution, all legitimate notices are shared only through verified platforms, including:
- Student institutional emails
- KU student portal
- Official Kenyatta University social media pages
- The university website
“Please do not make any payments or share personal information based on this fake document. Official KU updates will always be shared here and on our verified channels,” the statement added.
The administration encouraged students and parents to report any suspicious messages to university authorities or relevant security agencies to help curb cyber fraud.
Rising Cases of Online Academic Scams
The fake Kenyatta University memo is part of a growing trend of digital scams targeting students in Kenya’s higher learning institutions. Fraudsters often create forged letters that resemble official university documents, complete with logos and signatures, to trick families into sending money.
Education experts warn that such schemes thrive during the beginning of semesters when learners are anxious about fees, accommodation and registration deadlines. Universities have repeatedly urged students to confirm payment details directly from finance offices rather than relying on social media forwards.
Cybersecurity analysts also advise students to avoid clicking unknown links, sharing admission details with strangers, or sending money to personal mobile numbers claiming to represent institutions.
No University Fee Hike This Year
The university’s clarification comes barely a month after the Ministry of Education assured parents that there would be no increase in university fees this year. The commitment was made as more than 250,000 candidates who sat the 2025 KCSE examinations prepare to join universities and colleges.
While releasing the 2025 KCSE results in Uasin Gishu on Friday, January 9, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government was implementing measures to keep tertiary education affordable.
Ogamba revealed that public university fees had already been rationalised by 15 to 40 per cent, with semester costs now ranging between Ksh5,800 and Ksh75,000 depending on the programme.
“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.
Relief for Parents and Students
The assurance from the Ministry and Kenyatta University brings relief to thousands of families worried about the rising cost of education. Many students had expressed concern online after seeing the fake memo, fearing it signaled another financial burden.
Student leaders at KU welcomed the clarification, saying the misinformation had caused panic especially among first-years unfamiliar with university procedures. They called for stronger awareness campaigns on how official communication is shared.
Parents’ associations also urged universities to work closely with security agencies to track down individuals behind such scams, noting that some families had previously lost money to similar schemes.
What Students Should Do
Kenyatta University advised learners to take the following steps whenever they receive questionable messages:
- Confirm any notice through the KU student portal or official website.
- Contact the registrar or finance office before making payments.
- Avoid forwarding unverified memos on WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
- Report suspicious numbers and accounts to the university and police.
The institution reiterated its commitment to protecting students from fraud and maintaining transparent communication at all times.
A Call for Digital Responsibility
As universities increasingly rely on online systems, the spread of misinformation remains a major challenge. Education stakeholders say students must develop digital literacy skills to differentiate between authentic and fake documents.
Kenyatta University concluded its notice by reminding the public that protecting personal data is crucial. “Your security begins with verification,” the statement noted, adding that any changes to fees or academic requirements would follow formal procedures and broad consultation.
For now, students have been assured that no Ksh10,000 payment is required, and the viral memo should be treated as a malicious hoax.