The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has revoked the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), mandating the immediate closure of all its campuses.
Through a public notice released at its Nairobi headquarters on April 20, TVETA identified the institution for delivering and granting academic and professional programs without appropriate accreditation.
“The Authority has observed that the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) is delivering and conferring various academic and professional programmes to the public without proper accreditation,” stated TVETA.
Consequently, the education authority declared certificates issued after 2018 invalid for employment and further education.
TVETA observed that KIM was only authorized to provide programs evaluated and certified by Technical and Vocational Education and Training – Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC). Nevertheless, the institution exceeded its authorization by offering unapproved courses and employing trainers without valid licenses as stipulated under the TVET Act Cap 210A, the legislation governing vocational training institutions’ accreditation.
According to TVETA, the institution violated Section 17(3) of the TVET Act Cap 210A, which mandates that training programs in a TVET institution be approved by the TVETA Board, by granting unauthorized qualifications, and Section 23(1) by employing trainers who lacked valid training licenses throughout its nationwide operations.
KIM also failed to employ trainers without valid training licenses as required by the law, which specifies that any individual seeking to function as a trainer in a TVET institution must apply to the Board for licensing and registration. These laws, in general, KIM failed to comply with, according to TVETA.
The public has been cautioned that KIM lacks the legal authority to grant qualifications, emphasizing that any certificates or diplomas issued beyond 2018 are not acknowledged for employment,
“Therefore, any certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications earned from the institution after 2018 are not recognized for employment, additional education, or professional progression,” the body added.
With this declaration, all 13 KIM campuses nationwide face closure in a decision that will impact students who had already enrolled in the institution for various programs.
These students have been directed to seek guidance from the regulator and alternative accredited institutions nationwide, where they may receive transition support.
TVETA also advised members of the public to be cautious when interacting with KIM and to check the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling in any program of study.
“The public is therefore advised to exercise caution when engaging with KIM and to verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling in any programme of study,” the authority reiterated.