Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses.

Topmax College, located in Embakasi, Nairobi, is currently under scrutiny following allegations that it has been offering Unauthorized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. The courses, encompassing critical fields such as mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT, have not received approval from the pertinent accrediting authority.

Both students and their guardians are now voicing concerns regarding the implications of these developments. They are apprehensive about the time and financial resources expended, coupled with increasing anxiety that their academic achievements may be rendered invalid.

In spite of their diligent attendance in classes, payment of fees, and efforts towards obtaining professional qualifications, recent revelations have left numerous individuals uncertain about their academic prospects.

Citizen TV conducted interviews with first-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua at Topmax College in Pipeline, who exhibited noticeable distress after their visit to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). The students discovered that only 12 courses at the college had received official approval for instruction.

Nelly recounted their attempt to verify the institution’s licensing, during which they were informed that the college was authorized to teach only a restricted number of programs. Rose explained that upon confronting the director, they were told that the courses in question lacked approval and that an investigation would commence following the students’ submission of a formal complaint.

Another student, who chose to remain anonymous, divulged that suspicions had been present even among former students, some of whom found their certificates rendered invalid when seeking employment. This same student mentioned that when they sought a meeting to discuss these issues, they were offered refreshments instead of the requested answers, and their numerous attempts to engage with the administration had been disregarded.

TVETA Report Highlights Irregularities

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

The Pipeline campus is authorized to provide instruction in 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 accredited.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, it has been reported that hundreds of students have enrolled in programs that lack accreditation, casting significant doubts on the quality and recognition of their qualifications. One concerned parent mentioned that they had grown suspicious after their child reported an incident at the school, wherein students were questioning the authenticity of their certifications. This prompted further investigation on their part.

Topmax College’s 24-page brochure advertises 37 certificate and diploma programs under its School of Business, many of which have allegedly been evaluated by KNEC. Other organizations listed include JP-UK (an international examiner), ICM, ABMA, and KASNEB. The School of ICT, lacking accreditation from TVETA, offers 12 programs under similar examining bodies.

Moreover, 15 courses are offered under the School of Engineering.

Alarming Student and Parent Experiences
One student who has been enrolled for two years expressed their dissatisfaction, disclosing that they had never received any transcripts despite having taken examinations each semester. They further asserted that the instructors were often unqualified, with professional tutors frequently departing mid-term, resulting in learners being instructed by interns or individuals undergoing teaching practice.

A parent also stated that they attempted to verify an instructor’s name on TVETA’s trainer portal but found no corresponding entry, thereby raising further concerns about the college’s staffing standards.

TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirmed that Topmax is presently under investigation following numerous complaints from students and members of the public. He acknowledged that several courses under review—such as nutrition, nursing, and mortuary science—had not been officially licensed.

However, college director Jephiter Omeke Obiri defended the institution, asserting that they had already submitted an application for accreditation and were simply awaiting official approval. He elucidated that the college offers four types of programs: fully accredited, those under interim accreditation, those that have been inspected but are awaiting licenses, and others that are in the process of accreditation.

This assertion, however, seems inconsistent with TVETA’s regulations. Dr. Langat clarified that training institutions are mandated to publicly display both their registration certificate and license. He cautioned that certain colleges continue to offer unlicensed courses, which contravenes TVETA protocols.

License Misuse Allegations

Additional allegations purport that Topmax is operating two institutions in Nakuru under a single license. Although the director contends that the Nakuru campus exclusively offers education-related programs and is categorized under the Department of Basic Education, the institution’s promotional materials suggest otherwise.

The promotional documentation identifies three campuses—two in Nairobi and one in Bahati. It indicates that while the Nairobi branches are under TVET, the Bahati campus functions under the Ministry of Education to provide educational programs.

Dr. Langat emphasized that licenses are granted based on facility inspections, and they cannot be transferred to uninspected locations. He clarified that should a new site be intended, a fresh application must be presented for approval.

Some students have already initiated legal actions, reporting the issue to Kware Police Station. They accuse the college of soliciting fees under false pretenses and are demanding a refund of their payments.

Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses