Govt Gives Way Forward for Students After KIM Closure

The Government has outlined its way forward for students and what it will do to address the Technical and Vocational Education decision to close the Kenya Institute of Management(KIM).

Appearing before the National Assembly, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that while the Kenya Institute of Management was accredited to offer TVET courses, it had issued internal qualifications without proper mandate, raising serious compliance and legal concerns.

Ogamba told the National Assembly that the government is taking a consultative approach to handle the matter.

“As a ministry, Mr. Speaker, we are committed to addressing and resolving the matter at hand through a deliberative and consultative approach that safeguards the interests of innocent third parties, like the students who have already graduated, while also ensuring compliance with the law and promoting credibility of our education system,” said Ogamba.

Ogamba added that the government is reviewing the matter and will ensure compliance across institutions, while considering appropriate action against any parties found to be negligent.

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KIM Accreditation Breach Triggers Crackdown

Ogamba told MPs that the regulator’s decision followed findings of non-compliance by KIM in the issuance of academic qualifications.

According to the CS, KIM had approval to offer technical programmes but went beyond its scope by awarding certificates not recognized under the current regulatory framework. The move prompted TVETA to act through a formal communication dated April 21, 2026.

He also confirmed that KIM has since exercised its legal right to challenge the decision by appealing under Section 37 of the TVET Act, which it did today.

“The TVETA Authority found that while KIM was accredited to offer TVET courses, it was still conferring internal qualifications without mandate. Mr. Speaker, we appreciate that the non-compliance and the resultant action by the TVETA Authority have raised profound questions affecting multiple stakeholders, including persons who have obtained certificates from the institution. It also exposes certain legal gaps pertaining to the  place of institutions that were previously qualification awarding bodies under the Education Act,” added the CS.

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Legal Concerns Over Certificates

The development has raised concerns among lawmakers over the validity of certificates already issued and the broader implications for the education sector.

Ogamba acknowledged that the issue affects multiple stakeholders, including graduates, and exposes weaknesses in the legal framework governing institutions that previously had awarding powers.

Ogamba added that certificates issued up to 2018 remain valid.

MPs questioned the Ministry on safeguards for students and demanded clarity on how the situation will be resolved without disadvantaging those already enrolled and those who have completed their studies.

“We will seek to ensure that going forward, all institutions are compliant and that no student is disenfranchised. We are also carefully reviewing the matter for possible corrective action against any party that may have been negligent in their duties and obligations. Mr. Speaker, since this is a quasi-judicial process,”  stated Ogamba