The High Court has suspended a notice by the Technical and Vocational Education Authority’s (TVETA), revoking the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), giving a huge relief to thousands of students.
The court further suspended the authority’s notice directing the closure of all campuses belonging to KIM, pending the determination of a case filed by the institution.
In a notice on April 20, TVETA directed the immediate closure of KIM’s campuses.
The regulator said KIM had continued to offer academic and professional programmes without proper accreditation, including awarding qualifications beyond its approved scope.
Further, the authority stated that the institution’s certificates, diplomas or other qualifications beyond 2018 would not recognised for purposes of employment, further education or professional advancement.
“In the meantime, there shall be stay in terms of prayer 5 if the ex-parte chamber summons,” the court said.
KIM challenged the decision saying the actions are unreasonable, uncalled for and unfair to the institution, its students and other accounts benefitting from the provision of its services.
“The revocation of the accreditation is in contravention of the provisions of section 36 and 37 of the TVET Act. The institution added that it would suffer serious and significant loss of business and closure of accounts as a direct result of the authority’s actions,” the institution said in the application.
KIM, which was started in 1954 said it has over 10,000 members and more than 70,000 graduates.
The institution said it has acquired and maintained accreditation from TVETA over the years, which created a legitimate expectation that it will continue operation within the bounds of the accreditation.
“In the circumstances, the issuance of the notice and the press release purporting the closure of all of the applicant’s campuses is not only illegal but has caused anxiety amongst students, corporates, and other institutions, culminating in suspension and closure of accounts by the bank and service providers,” KIM said.
The institution revealed that in October 2025, TVETA had raised issues on compliance, which were allegedly responded to comprehensively and there has been no complaints, hence the notice was a huge shock.
Meanwhile, KIM has lodged an appeal to the Education Cabinet Secretary following the revocation of its accreditation by the sector regulator.
“We have already made an appeal as per provisions under the Law,” said KIM executive director Muriithi Ndegwa.
The Section 37(2) of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, 2013 allows KIM to appeal the board’s decision within 30 days, after which the Cabinet Secretary will provide direction.
KIM, which has operated for over 70 years, is a key provider of leadership and management training, with alumni across government, non-governmental organisations, academia and the private sector.
A change in law in 2013 is behind the revocation of accreditation and forced closure of the KIM throwing 100,000 former students and 10,000 current learners into a spin.
Section 58(2) of the TVET Act provides for the transition of institutions established through legal notices and other orders under the repealed Education Act. It stipulates that such institutions must, within two years of the Act’s commencement, seek accreditation from the Authority.
The school got into trouble after it failed to seek a fresh review and approval of its diploma and certificate courses in line with the legal requirements.
KIM offers seven diploma courses, including business management, human resource management and purchasing and supplies, at a cost of Sh126,000. It also offers eight certificate courses and 15 professional certifications.
