TVETA Shuts Tigoni College Over Fake Training and Certificates
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has shut down a college in Tigoni, Kiambu County, after uncovering what it described as a fraudulent training scheme that exposed students to fake education and worthless certificates.
In a decisive crackdown targeting illegal training institutions, TVETA revealed that the college, operating under the name Initiative for Skills Empowerment, had been running without registration and in total violation of the TVET Act CAP 210A.
Illegal Operations Exposed
According to TVETA, the institution had no legal authority to operate as a training center. The regulator confirmed that the closure was conducted in collaboration with the Limuru Sub-County security team, highlighting the seriousness of the violations.
“The institution was operating illegally without registration, in total breach of the TVET Act CAP 210A,” TVETA stated.
Authorities say the crackdown is part of a wider enforcement effort currently underway in Kiambu and Machakos counties, targeting unlicensed colleges that are exploiting unsuspecting students.
Donor Project Hijacked
Investigations revealed that the program initially started as a donor-funded initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills. However, along the way, the project was allegedly hijacked by a Community Based Organization (CBO), which began running it independently.
What began as a noble effort to empower youth reportedly turned into a profit-driven scheme that lacked any form of regulatory oversight.
TVETA disclosed that the operators began charging fees for courses such as plumbing and hairdressing—despite lacking the most basic requirements needed to offer legitimate training.
No Tutors, No Curriculum, No Facilities
In a shocking revelation, TVETA confirmed that the institution had no qualified tutors, no approved curriculum, and no proper training facilities.
This meant that students who enrolled in the college were not receiving any meaningful education or skills development. Instead, they were being misled into believing they were participating in recognized training programs.
“They began charging fees for courses like Plumbing and Hairdressing, but with no qualified tutors, no curriculum, and no training facilities,” TVETA stated.
Students Left Devastated
The shutdown has left dozens of students devastated after discovering that the certificates they had been working towards were fake and unrecognized.
Many of the affected students had paid fees with the expectation that their training would be assessed externally. However, TVETA clarified that the so-called examinations and certifications were not recognized by any legitimate authority.
Students were reportedly told that their exams would be “examined elsewhere,” a claim that TVETA has now dismissed as misleading and fraudulent.
The regulator warned that the certificates issued by the institution hold no academic or professional value.
Authorities Step In
The operation was led by Kiambu County Deputy County Commissioner Harrison Mutevwa, who ordered the immediate closure of the institution.
Mutevwa also directed the operators to vacate the public land they had been occupying, signaling a firm stance against illegal use of government property.
In addition, local administrators were put on notice for allegedly allowing the institution to operate without proper oversight.
The move underscores growing concerns about the role of local authorities in monitoring and regulating informal education setups within their jurisdictions.
Wider Crackdown Across Kenya
The Tigoni closure comes amid an intensified nationwide crackdown by TVETA on rogue institutions offering substandard or unaccredited training.
The authority has warned that colleges operating without licenses will face strict enforcement measures, including closure.
Institutions have been given a 21-day ultimatum to regularize their operations or risk being shut down.
This latest action reflects increasing efforts by the government to clean up the TVET sector and protect students from exploitation.
Link to Kenya Institute of Management Controversy
The shutdown also comes shortly after TVETA was thrust into the spotlight following a separate controversy involving the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
KIM had been found liable for offering unaccredited courses, leading to the flagging of certificates issued from 2018 onwards.
The incident raised widespread concerns about quality assurance in Kenya’s education sector and highlighted gaps in institutional oversight.
Together, these cases paint a worrying picture of how students can easily fall victim to unregulated programs.
Victims Urged to Seek Justice
TVETA Head of Compliance Paul Wanyeki has encouraged affected students to pursue legal action against the operators of the Tigoni institution.
He emphasized that there are legal avenues available for victims who were misled into paying for training that did not meet required standards.
“Justice mechanisms exist for students who were duped,” Wanyeki said, urging those affected to come forward and report their cases.
Students Warned to Verify Institutions
In the wake of the incident, TVETA has issued a strong advisory to students across the country to exercise caution when enrolling in training institutions.
The authority urged prospective students to always verify whether a college is registered through its official portal before committing their time and money.
“Always verify if a college is registered on our official portal before enrolling,” TVETA advised.
This warning comes as more cases of fraudulent training centers continue to emerge, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
Protecting the Integrity of TVET
The TVET sector plays a crucial role in equipping young people with practical skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship.
However, the presence of unlicensed institutions threatens to undermine public confidence in the system.
By cracking down on illegal operators, TVETA aims to safeguard the integrity of vocational training in Kenya and ensure that students receive quality education that meets national standards.
Final Word
The closure of the Tigoni college serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unregulated training institutions.
For many students, the promise of affordable and accessible education turned into a costly lesson.
As enforcement efforts intensify, authorities hope that stricter regulation and increased awareness will prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the message from TVETA is clear: verify before you enroll—or risk losing everything.