The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has pulled the accreditation for the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and ordered the immediate shutdown of all its campuses.
In a public notice sent from its Nairobi headquarters on April 20, TVETA called out the institution for teaching and awarding degrees and professional certificates without the necessary legal approvals.
“It has come to the attention of the Authority that the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) is offering and awarding various academic and professional programmes to members of the public without accreditation,” said TVETA.
The move means the education regulator now considers any certificates KIM issued after 2018 useless for anyone looking for a job or trying to continue their studies.
TVETA pointed out that KIM only held the right to offer programs checked and certified by the TVET-CDACC. Despite this limit, the school overstepped by teaching unapproved courses and hiring teachers who lacked the valid licenses required by the TVET Act.
The authority stated that KIM broke Section 17(3) of the law by handing out unauthorized qualifications without board approval. The institution also ignored Section 23(1) by staffing its campuses nationwide with trainers who had never applied for or received official registration. TVETA maintains that KIM basically turned its back on these fundamental legal requirements.
Officials are now warning the public that KIM lacks any legal power to grant degrees or diplomas. They made it clear that the government does not recognize any papers issued by the school after 2018 for jobs, university applications, or career growth.
“Consequently, any certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications obtained from the institution beyond 2018 are not recognised for purposes of employment, further education, or professional advancement,” the body added.
This ruling forces all 13 KIM campuses across the country to shut their doors, a move that throws the plans of thousands of currently enrolled students into chaos.
The regulator advises these affected students to contact TVETA headquarters directly to find out where they stand. They should also look for other accredited colleges, as these institutions will likely provide the necessary support to help them transfer and finish their studies elsewhere.
TVETA is also urging everyone to stay sharp and double-check a school’s credentials before paying any fees or signing up for classes.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to exercise caution while engaging with KIM and to verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling in any programme of study,” the authority reiterated.
