Kenyatta University has responded to a viral memo claiming the institution was encouraging student couples to move in together to address accommodation challenges around the university.
The memo, dated July 27, 2026, alleged that rising student admissions had created pressure on available housing, prompting the university to urge couples to share accommodation to free up space for other students.
According to the document, the move would increase the availability of houses for students, reduce competition for housing, lower rental costs and promote responsible use of accommodation.
The letter quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing reactions from students and members of the public because of its unusual proposal.
Kenyatta University Responds
In a statement issued on September 27, Kenyatta University distanced itself from the document, saying the memo was not an official communication from the institution.
The university said the document had neither been issued nor authorised by its management and did not reflect its policies, regulations or procedures.
“Kenyatta University strictly prohibits the creation or dissemination of false, misleading, fabricated, or unauthorised information,” the institution said.
The university further stated that the memo circulating online was AI-generated and should not be considered an authentic communication from the institution.
Also Read: Kenya to Start Producing Oil in 3 Months as Key Equipment Docks at Mombasa Port
It urged students, staff and members of the public not to rely on, reproduce or circulate the contents of the document as official university information.
Verification Call
Kenyatta University also called on the public to verify information through its official communication channels before sharing it online.
The institution noted that only information disseminated through its recognised platforms should be treated as authentic.
The clarification comes after the memo generated widespread discussion online, with many social media users questioning whether a university would formally encourage student couples to live together as a solution to accommodation shortages.
While the university has dismissed the memo as fake, accommodation remains a key concern for many students.
Kenyatta University’s Directorate of Accommodation Services notes that hostel space is limited and that room applications do not automatically result in allocation.
The university also maintains an off-campus accommodation programme for students who miss out on available hostel spaces.
Kenyatta University Rules on Dating, Couples and Cohabitation
The memo’s contents also appeared inconsistent with existing university accommodation regulations.
Also Read: Kalonzo Drops Bombshell After Gachagua Predicts One Opponent Will Walk Away
Kenyatta University’s published hostel rules state that cohabitation in university residences is prohibited and may lead to the loss of residential status.
The regulations further prohibit students from accommodating overnight visitors in hostel rooms, whether the visitor is a fellow student or a non-student.
Under the rules, both the host and the visitor may face a Ksh 500 fine per night as well as the loss of hostel accommodation for one academic year.
The university’s accommodation guidelines also restrict visits between male and female hostels to specified hours.
Students who breach the visitation rules risk disciplinary action, including the loss of accommodation.
While Kenyatta University does not appear to prohibit consensual romantic relationships between students, its policies draw a distinction between dating and cohabitation or unauthorised overnight stays.
In addition, the university’s Parents and Guardians Handbook states that accommodation-related offences can attract penalties ranging from fines and expulsion from hostels to suspension from studies.
The handbook also prohibits non-resident students from renting hostel rooms from resident students and bars students from hosting fellow students or non-students in university accommodation.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
