The Consumers Federation of Kenya has asked the government to review the decision to close the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), saying the move could hurt thousands of students.
In a statement released on April 20, COFEK raised concern over a directive by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority to shut down all KIM campuses after revoking its accreditation.
The consumer body said while institutions must follow the law, the current decision does not clearly explain what will happen to students who are already studying at KIM.
“Students are not to blame for the mistakes of the institution, yet they are the ones who will suffer most,” COFEK said.
According to COFEK, many learners are in the middle of their courses, with exams and coursework still ongoing.
The sudden closure means they are now stuck, despite having paid school fees and committed their time to their studies.
Some were expecting to graduate soon, but now face uncertainty over whether their qualifications will be recognised.
COFEK warned that the situation could go beyond education.
Some students may miss out on job opportunities, while others could face delays in career growth. There are also fears that a few could be affected in cases where studies are tied to visa or travel requirements.
Call for urgent action
The federation is now asking TVETA to slow down and review how the closure is being carried out, to ensure students are not left stranded.
They want clear steps put in place to protect learners and help them complete their studies or transition to other institutions.
Why KIM was closed
TVETA said the decision was made after finding that KIM had been offering courses and issuing certificates without proper approval.
The authority also noted that certificates issued after 2018 would not be recognised for jobs, further studies or professional use.
KIM responds
KIM has since acknowledged the issue and said it has started an internal audit.
The institution has assured students and partners that it is working to address the problem.
