Topmax College under spotlight for offering unapproved TVET courses

Topmax College in Embakasi, Nairobi, is under scrutiny after an investigation revealed that it is offering unapproved courses by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), some in critical fields like mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT.

Students and parents are now demanding answers, as fears grow over wasted time, money, and the uncertain fate of their dreams.

They paid the fees, attended the classes, and worked hard, believing in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. But now, troubling revelations threaten to derail their future.

Citizen TV met Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua, first-year students at Topmax College in Pipeline, who are in distress. Their visit to the accrediting body, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), came as a shock.

"Venye tulienda huko TVETA kuconfirm kama wako licensed, tuliambiwa Topmax Training College only offers 12 courses ndio ziko licensed kufunzwa," Nelly said.

Rose added: "Tulipelekwa kwa director akatuambia the courses are not accredited. They should not be offering them. Wakatuambia tuandike barua, wenyewe wakuje wafanye investigations."

Another student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on his part said: "Venye tulijoin tumeambiwa former students wamekuwa wakishuku hii shule. Wanaapply job wanaambiwa certificate iko fake. Tukiitisha meeting anatununulia soda. Tumekuwa tukiitisha meeting mara tatu akakataa kukuja."

An official report obtained by Citizen TV from TVETA reveals Topmax Training College, owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri, has two registered institutions under TVET in Pipeline and Bee Centre, Umoja, Nairobi.

The registered courses at the Pipeline branch are: Automotive Engineering, Building Technology, Certified Public Accountants, Accountancy (craft level), Building Technology, Plumbing, Science Laboratory Technology, Accountancy (diploma level), 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 two courses are accredited at the Bee Centre branch: Criminal Justice Management and Journalism and Media Studies.

Hundreds of students are said to be enrolled in other, unaccredited courses, with questions now emerging about the validity and quality of their education.

"I became suspicious when the student came home and reported there was a fracas in school—students questioning the credibility of their certificates. I decided to dig deeper," stated a parent.

A 24-page brochure from the college advertises 37 certificate and diploma courses under the School of Business, many listed as examined by KNEC. Other examining bodies include JP-UK (an international examining body), ICM, ABMA, and KASNEB.

The School of ICT, not listed under TVETA’s accreditation, offers 12 courses examined by KNEC, JP-UK, ICM, ABMA, NITA, and TVET.

Additionally, 15 courses are being offered under the School of Engineering.

"Nimekuwa hapa for two years, hatujawai pewa transcripts. Kila semester tunafanya exams but no transcripts. Halafu walimu sio professional. Wakileta professional hamalizi semester moja, anaenda. Tunalewa na teaching practice students or those on attachment," said another student.

A parent added: "I even asked to confirm a teacher’s name on TVETA’s website—there’s a section for checking accredited trainers. When I searched the name, it didn’t appear."

TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirms that Topmax is currently under active investigation following complaints from students and the public.

"We’re aware that courses like nutrition, nursing, and mortuary science were under complaint—they're not licensed. This is an active case," Dr Langat said.

But the institution’s director, Jephiter Omeke Obiri, has dismissed the claims, saying applications for accreditation have been made and they’re only awaiting TVETA’s approval.

"We have four categories of programs: we have programs which are fully accredited, we have programs under interim accreditation, and we have programs which have been inspected awaiting the full license," Obiri said.

That, however, contradicts TVETA’s regulations.

"A requirement for training is to display both the certificate of registration and the license. Sometimes, institutions go ahead and introduce courses not licensed," noted Dr Langat.

The institution has also been accused of using a single license to operate two new institutions in Nakuru. Even though the director insists that the Nakuru campus is under the Department of Basic Education because it only offers education courses, the poster contradicts that claim.

The poster reads, "Our three institutions—two in Nairobi and one in Bahati. The Nairobi ones are registered under TVET, while the one in Bahati is registered under the Ministry of Education to offer education-related programs."

Dr Langat, on the other hand, said, "If we license you to operate in a specific location, it's because that facility was inspected based on that. If you are going to have a different location, you have to apply afresh for that inspection. There is no way you can transfer a license to another facility."

Some of the affected students have so far reported the matter at Kware Police Station, accusing the institution of obtaining money under false pretences, even as they demand a refund.