TVETA CEO Breaks Down Reasons Behind Kenya Institute of Management Closure

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has defended its decision to revoke the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and shut down all its campuses nationwide, citing serious violations of the law.

Speaking during a media interview on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Acting Director General Timothy Nyongesa said the institution had continued to offer unapproved programmes and issue academic qualifications without legal authority.

Nyongesa stated that KIM contravened Section 17(3) of the TVET Act Cap 210A by awarding academic qualifications without approval, and further violated Section 23(1) by engaging trainers who lacked valid licences.

“The public must understand that KIM does not have the legal mandate to award qualifications. Any certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications issued by the institution beyond 2018 are not recognised for employment, further education, or professional advancement,” he said.

TVETA Boss Breaks Silence on Dramatic Closure of KIM Campuses

The acting CEO warned that the authority would take firm action against any illegal certification practices.

“We are not going to negotiate for diplomas. You will earn the diploma,” Nyongesa said, adding that those found issuing or holding questionable qualifications risk legal consequences.

He explained that the decision followed KIM’s failure to comply with a three-year grace period granted to institutions that had been offering internal programmes. Under the directive, such institutions were required to seek accreditation and transition to approved curricula by 2018.

“Up to 2018, we expected these institutions to end any internal programmes. We gave KIM the option of running programmes approved by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council, which they adopted in 2019. Why they relapsed, we do not know,” he said.

Also Read: Kenya Institute of Management Responds to TVETA Closure Order

Closure Follows Claims of Unapproved Courses and Trainers

Nyongesa further revealed that TVETA had received multiple complaints from members of the public regarding questionable certificates and the use of unaccredited trainers at the institution.

He noted that even universities offering TVET programmes must seek approval from the TVETA board, adding that no Level 4, 5 or 6 programmes linked to KIM had been approved.

“That is what KIM has purportedly been doing through its platforms,” he said.

Also Read: TVETA Cracks Down on Institutions Issuing Fake Certificates in Kenya

Following the revocation, TVETA announced that KIM’s accreditation had been cancelled under Sections 36 and 37 of the TVET Act, and all its campuses closed with immediate effect. The authority also advised the public to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling in any programme.

However, in a statement issued hours after the closure, KIM said it was reviewing the regulator’s notice and engaging relevant authorities to address the concerns raised.

“We wish to assure our stakeholders that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are actively engaging the relevant regulatory authorities to determine the appropriate course of action in line with the law,” said KIM Executive Director and CEO Dr Muriithi Ndegwa.

The institution urged students, alumni and partners to remain calm and rely on official communication channels for updates.

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Kenya Institute of Management Head Offices. PHOTO/ KIM