Viral Technical University of Kenya memo suggesting shutdown is fake

The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has refuted claims suggesting the institution is facing a three-month shutdown, a rumor that gained traction just days after the university was declared insolvent.

In response to a widely shared memo circulating on social media, the university administration urged the public to disregard the document, emphasizing that it is false and misleading.

"We urge everyone to treat the memo circulating online as FAKE. The university remains open, and all classes and operations are continuing as usual," a section of the official statement clarified.

"Following the declaration of insolvency by Parliament and the institution's financial crisis, this is to notify all students, staff, and stakeholders that TUK shall be closed with effect from Monday, April 21," the fake statement read in part.

"The university will remain closed for three months, or until a satisfactory agreement has been reached on the way forward," the fake statement continued.

The statement, purportedly released by Deputy Vice Chancellor Benedict Mutua, also barred students, staff, and stakeholders from entering the premises.

The fake memo comes in the wake of a statement made on Thursday by the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Administration, which declared the university insolvent due to a Ksh12 billion debt crisis.

The committee noted that the financial woes have persisted since 2013, severely affecting the institution. University officials had appeared before the committee to account for the worsening financial condition.

Both past and present administrators were questioned over allegations that some university employees have never received their full salaries since the institution was granted its charter in 2013.