KIM college sudden shutdown: Has regulator been asleep at the wheel?

TVETA revoked the accreditation of all Kenya Institute of Management campuses. [File, Standard]

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has dropped a bombshell on Kenya’s education sector. In one sweeping decision, it revoked the accreditation of all Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) campuses, declared certificates issued since 2018 null and void, and ordered the immediate closure of 13 physical branches plus an online arm. The stated reason is that KIM was offering unapproved programmes, awarding unaccredited qualifications, and employing trainers without valid licenses, all in violation of the TVET Act.

On paper, TVETA acted within its legal mandate under Sections 36 and 37 of the TVET Act. Any institution found to be operating outside the law, especially one with KIM’s profile and reach, cannot expect to escape sanction. Upholding quality standards in technical and vocational education is not optional.