COFEK calls for review of TVETA closure of KIM to protect students

The appeal comes in the wake of TVETA’s public notice issued on April 20, 2026, revoking KIM’s accreditation. /AI ILLUSTRATION

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has called for an urgent 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, warning that thousands of students risk being unfairly affected.

COFEK said while it does not encourage any institution operating outside the law, the regulator’s directive raises serious concerns over the absence of safeguards for past and current learners enrolled at the institution.

“While we do not condone any institution operating outside the law, we are alarmed that TVETA’s notice makes zero provision for the protection of thousands of currently enrolled students who bear no responsibility for KIM’s institutional failures,” the consumer rights defender said.

The advocacy group noted that affected students are consumers of education services who paid tuition fees in good faith, may be in mid-programme with examinations pending and hold legitimate expectations of completing their studies.

It warned that the abrupt closure could expose them to wider consequences, including unemployment risks, disruptions in academic progression, and potential visa complications for those seeking jobs or to further their education overseas.

The appeal comes in the wake of TVETA’s public notice issued on April 20, 2026, revoking KIM’s accreditation and ordering the immediate closure of all its campuses across the country.

In the notice, TVETA director general said the authority had established that KIM had been offering and awarding academic and professional programmes without proper approval, in violation of the TVET Act.

The authority further accused the institution of engaging unlicensed trainers and operating outside its approved mandate.

TVETA maintained that KIM was only accredited to offer programmes assessed and certified by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC), but had since exceeded that scope.

As such, the authority stated that certificates issued by KIM after 2018 would not be recognised for employment or further education.

"The public is hereby notified that KIM does not have the legal mandate to award qualifications. 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," TVETA said.

"Pursuant to Section 36 and 37 of the TVET Act the accreditation earlier issued to KIM and all its campuses in the Republic of Kenya has been revoked and all KIM campus closed with immediate effect."

KIM, however, immediately challenged the directive, saying it is engaging the regulator to address the issues raised and determine the appropriate legal and regulatory way forward.

In a statement signed by chief executive officer Muriithi Ndegwa, the institution said it had noted TVETA’s notice and was treating the matter with seriousness.

“We are currently reviewing the contents of the notice and actively engaging the relevant regulatory authorities to address the issues raised and determine the appropriate course of action in line with the law,” KIM said, urging students, alumni and partners to remain calm.

The institution, established in 1954, described itself as a long-standing player in management training and professional development, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, integrity and transparency throughout its 72 years of operation in Kenya.

"We are committed to providing timely and transparent information as the situation evolves," Ndegwa said.

As the matter unfolds, Cofek has urged authorities to urgently review the implementation of the closure to ensure that students are not caught in the crossfire of the regulatory action and institutional dispute.