Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses

Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses.

Topmax College, based in Embakasi, Nairobi, is under investigation following reports that it has been offering Unauthorized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. The courses, which include critical fields such as mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT, have not been sanctioned by the relevant accrediting authority.

Both students and their guardians are now expressing concern over the implications of these revelations. They worry about the time and finances invested, with mounting fear that their academic progress could be invalidated.

Despite diligently attending classes, paying fees, and working towards professional qualifications, recent disclosures have left many uncertain about their academic future.

Citizen TV interviewed first-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua at Topmax College in Pipeline, who were visibly distressed after visiting the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). The students learned that only 12 courses at the college had been officially approved for instruction.

Nelly recounted how they had gone to confirm the institution’s licensing, only to be told that the college was only authorized to teach a limited number of programs. Rose explained that when they confronted the director, they were informed that the courses in question were unapproved and that an investigation would be initiated after the students submitted a formal complaint.

Another student, speaking anonymously, reported that suspicions had existed even among former students, some of whom found their certificates were deemed invalid when applying for jobs. The same student said that when they requested a meeting to address these concerns, they were offered refreshments instead of answers, and their repeated attempts to engage the administration had been ignored.

TVETA Report Highlights Irregularities

According to a report from TVETA obtained by Citizen TV, Topmax Training College—owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri—operates two TVET-registered institutions: one in Pipeline and another at Bee Centre in Umoja, Nairobi.

The Pipeline campus is authorized to offer 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.

At the Bee Centre, only Criminal Justice Management and Journalism and Media Studies are licensed.

Despite these limitations, hundreds of students have reportedly enrolled in programs that lack accreditation, leading to serious doubts about the quality and recognition of their qualifications.

One concerned parent said they had become suspicious after their child reported a disturbance at the school involving students questioning the legitimacy of their certifications. This prompted them to investigate further.

Topmax College’s 24-page brochure promotes 37 certificate and diploma programs under its School of Business, many allegedly examined by KNEC. Other bodies listed include JP-UK (an international examiner), ICM, ABMA, and KASNEB. The School of ICT, which is not accredited by TVETA, offers 12 programs under similar examining bodies.

In addition, 15 courses are provided under the School of Engineering.

Alarming Student and Parent Experiences

One student who has been enrolled for two years shared their frustration, revealing they had never received any transcripts despite sitting for exams each semester. They also claimed that instructors were frequently unqualified, with professional tutors often leaving mid-term, leaving learners to be taught by interns or those on teaching practice.

A parent also said they tried to verify an instructor’s name on TVETA’s trainer portal but found no matching entry, raising further doubts about the college’s staffing standards.

TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirmed that Topmax is currently being investigated following multiple complaints from students and members of the public. He acknowledged that several courses under scrutiny—such as nutrition, nursing, and mortuary science—had not been licensed.

However, college director Jephiter Omeke Obiri defended the institution, stating that they had already applied for accreditation and were merely awaiting official approval. He explained that the college runs four types of programs: fully accredited, those under interim accreditation, those inspected but awaiting licenses, and others undergoing the accreditation process.

This claim, however, appears inconsistent with TVETA’s regulations. Dr. Langat clarified that training institutions are required to publicly display both their registration certificate and license. He warned that some colleges proceed to teach unlicensed courses, which goes against TVETA protocols.

License Misuse Allegations

Additional allegations suggest that Topmax is operating two institutions in Nakuru using a single license. Although the director maintains that the Nakuru campus only offers education-related programs and falls under the Department of Basic Education, the institution’s poster paints a different picture.

The promotional material identifies three campuses—two in Nairobi and one in Bahati. It states that while the Nairobi branches are under TVET, the Bahati campus operates under the Ministry of Education to offer educational programs.

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Dr. Langat emphasized that licenses are issued based on facility inspections, and they cannot be transferred to uninspected sites. He explained that if a new location is intended, a fresh application must be submitted for approval.

Some students have already taken legal steps, reporting the matter to Kware Police Station. They accuse the college of collecting fees under false pretenses and are demanding that their money be refunded.

Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses.

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