TVETA Revokes KIM Accreditation, Orders Nationwide Closure
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has revoked the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), ordering the immediate closure of all its campuses across the country.
In a public notice issued from Nairobi on April 20, the regulator accused the institution of illegally offering and awarding academic and professional programmes without proper accreditation—triggering one of the most significant crackdowns in Kenya’s vocational education sector in recent years.
Certificates After 2018 Declared Invalid
In a move that is set to send shockwaves across thousands of students and graduates, TVETA declared that all certificates issued by KIM after 2018 are invalid.
According to the authority, these qualifications will not be recognised for employment, further education, or professional advancement—effectively rendering them useless in the job market.
“Any certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications obtained from the institution beyond 2018 are not recognised,” TVETA stated.
KIM Accused of Operating Outside Its Mandate
TVETA revealed that while KIM had limited accreditation to offer programmes assessed by the TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council, it went far beyond its approved scope.
The institution allegedly introduced unapproved courses and continued to operate without necessary oversight, putting thousands of students at risk.
The regulator cited violations of the TVET Act Cap 210A, including:
- Section 17(3): Requires all training programmes to be approved by the TVETA Board
- Section 23(1): Requires trainers to be licensed and registered
TVETA stated that KIM breached both provisions by offering unauthorised programmes and employing trainers without valid licences.
Trainers Also Found Unqualified
Further compounding the issue, the authority noted that KIM engaged trainers who lacked the required certification and licensing to teach in accredited TVET institutions.
Under Kenyan law, all trainers must be vetted and approved by the regulator before engaging in teaching activities. Failure to comply with this requirement is considered a serious offence under the TVET framework.
13 Campuses Face Immediate Closure
Following the directive, all 13 KIM campuses nationwide are now set to shut down immediately, affecting students currently enrolled in various programmes.
The decision is expected to disrupt learning for thousands, with uncertainty looming over their academic futures.
Students have been advised to seek guidance from TVETA and consider transferring to accredited institutions where transition arrangements may be facilitated.
Public Warned Against Engaging With KIM
TVETA has issued a strong warning to members of the public, urging them to avoid enrolling in the institution and to verify accreditation status before joining any training programme.
“Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling,” the authority emphasized.
A Major Blow to Kenya’s Education Sector
The crackdown highlights growing concerns over rogue institutions operating outside regulatory frameworks in Kenya’s education sector.
For many affected students, the announcement represents not just an academic setback, but also a financial and emotional blow after investing time and resources into now-invalid qualifications.
As authorities tighten oversight, this case is likely to serve as a warning to other institutions operating on the fringes of legality.