The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has called for an immediate review of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority’s (TVETA) decision to revoke the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and shut down all its campuses nationwide.
The consumer rights group expressed deep concern that thousands of students could be unfairly affected by the directive.
In a statement, COFEK acknowledged that while it does not support institutions operating outside the law, the lack of safeguards for current and past students in TVETA’s notice raised serious concerns.
“We are alarmed that TVETA’s notice makes no provision for the protection of thousands of currently enrolled students who bear no responsibility for KIM’s institutional failures,” the federation said.
It emphasized that students are consumers of educational services who have paid their tuition fees in good faith. Many are currently mid-programme, with pending exams and legitimate expectations of completing their studies.
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The closure, COFEK warned, could expose these learners to significant risks, including unemployment, disruption in academic progression, and potential complications for those seeking jobs or further education abroad.
This appeal follows TVETA’s public notice on April 20, 2026, which revoked KIM’s accreditation and ordered the immediate closure of all its campuses across the country.
TVETA stated that it had discovered KIM had been offering academic and professional programs without proper approval, violating the TVET Act. The authority also accused KIM of engaging unlicensed trainers and operating outside its approved mandate.
According to TVETA, KIM was only accredited to offer programs assessed and certified by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC), but had since exceeded this scope. As a result, certificates issued by KIM after 2018 were declared invalid for employment or further education.
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In response, KIM has challenged TVETA’s directive, assuring students, alumni, and stakeholders that it is actively engaging with the regulator to address the concerns raised. CEO Muriithi Ndegwa confirmed that the institution is reviewing the contents of the notice and is in communication with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate legal and regulatory response.
“We are currently reviewing the contents of the notice and actively engaging with the relevant regulatory authorities to address the issues raised and determine the appropriate course of action in line with the law,” KIM stated, urging all affected parties to remain calm during this process.
In an additional notice dated April 21, 2026, KIM reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the accreditation issues with both the Ministry of Education and TVETA. “We are committed to ensuring every student who has walked through our doors since 2018 receives the recognition they deserve,” the statement read.
Founded in 1954, KIM has long been a key player in management training and professional development in Kenya, proudly emphasizing its 72-year history of professionalism, integrity, and transparency in education.
By Obegi Malack
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