The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), in partnership with the Limuru Sub-County security team, has announced the closure of the Initiative for Skills Empowerment college in Tigoni.
In a statement on April 28, TVETA said the institution was found operating without registration, in violation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act (CAP 210A), prompting the authorities to order its immediate closure.
“TVETA, in partnership with the Limuru Sub-County security team, has closed “Initiative for Skills Empowerment” college in Tigoni. The institution was operating illegally without registration, in total breach of the TVET Act CAP 210A,” read part of the statement.
Limuru Deputy County Commissioner Harrison Mutevwa ordered the college to vacate the public land immediately and warned local officials against abetting illegal learning institutions.
He also urged affected parents to seek refunds from the Community-Based Organisation (CBO) managing the facility.
Why TVETA Closed the Institution
According to TVETA investigations revealed that the centre, which was initially established as a donor-funded youth skills empowerment project, had been taken over by a CBO that began charging fees for courses such as plumbing and hairdressing.
The institution reportedly operated without qualified tutors, a structured curriculum, or proper training facilities.
Students were left distressed after discovering that the certificates issued were not recognized, with some alleging they were misled into paying for training that was allegedly to be examined elsewhere.
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However, the authority stated that certificates issued by the institution hold no legal or professional validity.
TVETA Head of Compliance Paul Wanyeki advised affected students to pursue legal action for justice, while cautioning the public to always verify the registration status of institutions through the official TVETA portal before enrolling.
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Shutting Down KIM College
This comes just weeks after TVETA ordered the immediate closure of all Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) branches.
TVETA found that the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) had been delivering and awarding academic and professional qualifications without the required accreditation.
The authority stated that the institution was initially authorized to offer only programs assessed and certified by TVET-CDACC but allegedly extended its operations beyond the approved mandate.
TVETA also pointed to two main violations. It said KIM had been running unapproved programs and issuing academic qualifications in breach of the TVET Act.
In addition, the regulator found that the institution had engaged trainers who lacked valid training licenses, as required by the TVET Act.
