Topmax College Being Investigated for Offering Unapproved TVET Courses.

Topmax College Being Investigated for Offering Unapproved TVET Courses.

Following claims that it has been providing Unauthorized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, Topmax College, located in Embakasi, Nairobi, is being investigated. The appropriate accrediting body has not approved the courses, which cover essential areas like ICT, theatre technology, and mortuary science.

Guardians of students are now voicing worry about the consequences of these disclosures. With increasing concern that their academic progress might be nullified, they contemplate the time and money spent.

Recent revelations have caused many people to doubt their academic futures, even though they have successfully completed courses, paid costs, and pursued professional credentials.

First-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua at Topmax College in Pipeline were obviously upset after their trip to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), according to Citizen TV’s interview with them. The pupils discovered that just twelve of the college’s courses had received formal approval for teaching.

Nelly recalled that they had gone to verify the school’s licensing, but had been informed that the college was only permitted to offer a few courses. Rose stated that when they approached the director, they were told that the courses in dispute were not authorized and that an investigation would begin once the students filed a formal complaint.

Another student, who spoke anonymously, said that even former students had had doubts, with some of them discovering that their certificates were considered invalid when applying for employment. The student went on to say that their numerous efforts to engage with the administration had been disregarded and that they had been provided refreshments rather than answers when they requested a meeting to discuss these issues.

Irregularities Highlighted in TVETA Report

Topmax Training College, owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri, runs two TVET-registered schools—one in Pipeline and one at Bee Centre in Umoja, Nairobi—according to a TVETA report that Citizen TV acquired.

The Pipeline campus is permitted to provide the following programs: Automotive Engineering, Building Technology, Certified Public Accountants, Accountancy at craft and diploma levels, Plumbing, Science Laboratory Technology, Business Management, Fashion Design and Clothing Technology, Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Service Management, Electrical and Electronics Technology (power), and Child Care and Protection.

Only Criminal Justice Management and Journalism and Media Studies are authorized at the Bee Centre.

Hundreds of students are said to have signed up for unaccredited programs in spite of these constraints, raising significant concerns about the caliber and acceptance of their credentials.
After their kid informed them of a commotion at the school where students were questioning the authenticity of their credentials, one worried parent stated they had become wary. This led them to conduct more investigation.

The 24-page brochure from Topmax College advertises 37 diploma and certificate courses offered by its School of Business, many of which have reportedly been reviewed by KNEC. Other listed organizations are KASNEB, ABMA, ICM, and JP-UK (an international examiner). The School of ICT, which is not accredited by TVETA, provides 12 courses through similar examining bodies.

Also, the School of Engineering offers 15 courses.

Disturbing Experiences for Parents and Students

One student, who has been enrolled for two years, expressed their annoyance by disclosing that they had never received any transcripts, even though they had taken exams every semester. They also alleged that instructors were often unqualified, as professional tutors frequently departed mid-term, leaving students in the hands of interns or individuals undergoing teaching practice.

Additionally, a parent expressed concern about the school’s hiring practices by stating that they had attempted to confirm an instructor’s name on TVETA’s trainer portal but had found no corresponding entry.

Dr. Kipkirui Langat, the Director General of TVETA, has verified that Topmax is now under investigation as a result of several complaints from students and members of the public. He admitted that many of the programs being evaluated, like mortuary science, nursing, and nutrition, had not received licensure.

College director Jephiter Omeke Obiri, on the other hand, supported the school by saying that it had applied for accreditation and was just waiting for formal approval. He stated that the institution offers four different program categories: fully accredited, those currently being provisionally accredited, those that have been inspected but are still waiting for licenses, and those that are in the process of becoming accredited.

However, this assertion seems to be in conflict with TVETA’s regulations. Dr. Langat emphasized that training centers must prominently exhibit their license and registration certificate. He cautioned that certain colleges continue to offer unlicensed courses, which is contrary to TVETA rules.

Allegations of License Abuse

Other claims imply that Topmax is running two schools in Nakuru under one license. The school’s poster suggests otherwise, even though the director insists that the Nakuru campus is solely under the Department of Basic Education and offers education-related courses.

According to the promotional materials, there are three campuses—two in Nairobi and one in Bahati. It further states that the Bahati campus provides educational programs under the Ministry of Education, while the Nairobi branches are under TVET.

Licenses are granted depending on facility inspections, and they cannot be transferred to sites that have not been inspected, Dr. Langat stressed. He said that a new application must be submitted for approval if a new site is planned.

Some students have previously notified the Kware Police Station of the issue and taken legal action. They charge the institution with deceiving them into paying fees and are requesting a refund of their money.

Topmax College Being Investigated for Offering Unapproved TVET Courses