Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses.

Topmax College, located in Embakasi, Nairobi, is currently being investigated following allegations that it has been providing Unauthorized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. The programs, encompassing vital areas like mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT, have not been approved by the appropriate accrediting authority.

Both students and their parents are now voicing concerns regarding the potential consequences of these findings. They are apprehensive about the investments in time and money, with growing anxiety that their academic achievements could be rendered invalid.

Even with their commitment to attending classes, paying fees, and striving for professional qualifications, recent developments have left many feeling uncertain about their educational prospects.

Citizen TV conducted interviews with first-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua at Topmax College in Pipeline, who appeared clearly upset 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 teaching.

Nelly shared their experience of going to verify the institution’s licensing, only to find out that the college was permitted to offer a limited selection of programs. Rose added that upon questioning the director, they were informed that the courses in dispute were unauthorized and that an investigation would commence following the students’ formal complaint submission.

Another student, speaking anonymously, indicated that there had been concerns even among past students, some of whom had their certificates classified as invalid when they applied for jobs. This student mentioned that when they sought a meeting to discuss these issues, they were instead offered refreshments rather than answers, and their ongoing attempts to communicate with the administration had been overlooked.

TVETA Report Highlights Irregularities

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

The Pipeline campus has the authority to provide 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 hold licenses.

In spite of these restrictions, hundreds of students are reported to have enrolled in unaccredited programs, raising significant doubts regarding the quality and acceptance of their credentials. A concerned parent stated they had grown suspicious after their child reported an incident at the school involving students questioning the validity of their certifications, prompting them to dig deeper.

Topmax College’s 24-page brochure advertises 37 certificate and diploma programs within its School of Business, many purportedly evaluated by KNEC. Other organizations mentioned include JP-UK (an international examiner), ICM, ABMA, and KASNEB. The School of ICT, which does not have TVETA accreditation, offers 12 programs under similar examining bodies.

Additionally, 15 courses are available 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 even after attending exams each semester. They also asserted that instructors were often unqualified, with professional tutors frequently departing mid-term, leaving students to be instructed by interns or those in teaching practice.

A parent also mentioned they attempted to verify an instructor’s name on TVETA’s trainer portal but found no corresponding entry, which raised additional concerns regarding the college’s staffing standards.

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

However, college director Jephiter Omeke Obiri defended the institution, asserting that they had already applied for accreditation and were simply awaiting official approval. He clarified that the college offers four types of programs: fully accredited, those with interim accreditation, those inspected but pending licenses, and others going through the accreditation process.

This assertion, however, seems to conflict with TVETA’s regulations. Dr. Langat clarified that training institutions must publicly display both their registration certificate and license. He cautioned that some colleges continue to offer unlicensed courses, which violates TVETA protocols.

License Misuse Allegations

Further allegations indicate that Topmax is running two institutions in Nakuru with a single license. Although the director insists that the Nakuru campus solely provides education-related programs and is categorized under the Department of Basic Education, the institution’s advertisement suggests otherwise.

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

Dr. Langat highlighted that licenses are granted based on facility evaluations, and they cannot be transferred to uninspected locations. He explained that should a new site be intended, a new application must be submitted for approval.

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

Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses