The Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) has launched an urgent audit after the country’s technical education regulator shut down all 59 of its campuses and pulled its accreditation, leaving thousands of students unsure about their studies.
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority, or TVETA, issued the revocation and closure notice on April 20, 2026.
KIM responded the same day with a public statement acknowledging the action and promising swift follow-up.
“We wish to assure our stakeholders , students, alumni, partners, and the general public that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness it deserves,” the notice said in part.
“KIM is 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,” it added .
For learners enrolled across the country, the closure raised immediate questions.
Many want to know whether classes will continue, what happens to exam schedules, how tuition already paid will be handled, and whether their qualifications will still be recognised.
TVETA said KIM was accredited for programmes assessed and certified by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council, known as TVET-CDACC.
The regulator accused the institute of going beyond that mandate by offering unapproved courses and using unlicensed trainers.
It further stated that KIM contravened Section 17(3), which requires board approval for programs, by awarding unauthorised qualifications that did not conform to university standards.
TVETA also cited Section 23(1), saying the institute engaged trainers lacking valid licences nationwide.
Based on those findings, TVETA declared that all certificates issued after 2018 are unrecognised for employment, education, or advancement.
That statement has fueled concern over whether diplomas and certificates earned over the years remain valid and whether students midway through programmes will have their academic progress protected.
Defending the institution, Dr Ndegwa pointed to KIM’s history.
He reminded the public of the institution’s longstanding commitment to its founding values, noting KIM has consistently upheld professionalism, integrity and transparency throughout its seven decades of operation.
The audit, now underway, is expected to review KIM’s compliance and determine next steps with the regulator.
In the meantime, students and staff at all 59 campuses face an uncertain wait as talks between the institute and TVETA continue.
