Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses.
Topmax College, located in Embakasi, Nairobi, is currently facing an investigation due to allegations that it has been providing Unauthorized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. These courses, which encompass essential areas such as mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT, have not received approval from the appropriate accrediting authority.
Both students and their guardians are increasingly voicing their concerns regarding the ramifications of these findings. They are apprehensive about the investment of time and money, fearing that their academic progression might be nullified.
Even though they have been consistently attending classes, paying fees, and striving for professional qualifications, recent revelations have left many feeling uncertain about their educational prospects.
Citizen TV interviewed first-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua at Topmax College in Pipeline, who appeared visibly upset after visiting the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). The students discovered that only 12 courses at the college had received formal approval for teaching.
Nelly shared that they had gone to verify the institution’s licensing, only to find out that the college was permitted to offer only a limited range of programs. Rose mentioned that when they questioned the director, they were told that the courses in dispute were not approved and that an investigation would be launched following the students’ submission of a formal complaint.
Another student, who chose to remain anonymous, indicated that doubts had been prevalent even among former students, some of whom learned that their certificates were regarded as invalid during job applications. This student added that when they sought a meeting to discuss these issues, they were presented with refreshments instead of solutions, and their continuous efforts to reach out to the administration were disregarded.
TVETA Report Highlights Irregularities
According to a report from TVETA obtained by Citizen TV, Topmax Training College—owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri—manages two TVET-registered institutions: one in Pipeline and another at Bee Centre in Umoja, Nairobi.
The Pipeline campus is authorized to provide courses 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 have received licenses.
Despite these restrictions, it has been reported that hundreds of students have enrolled in unaccredited programs, raising significant concerns about the validity and recognition of their qualifications.
One worried parent mentioned they became skeptical after their child informed them about a disturbance at the school in which students were questioning the authenticity of their certifications. This prompted them to look deeper into the matter.
Topmax College’s 24-page brochure advertises 37 certificate and diploma programs under its School of Business, many reportedly evaluated by KNEC. Additional bodies mentioned include JP-UK (an international examiner), ICM, ABMA, and KASNEB. The School of ICT, which lacks accreditation from TVETA, 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 frustration, indicating they had never received any transcripts despite attending exams each semester. They also alleged that instructors were often unqualified, with professional tutors frequently leaving mid-term, resulting in learners being instructed by interns or those undergoing teaching practice.
A parent additionally stated they attempted to verify an instructor’s name on TVETA’s trainer portal but did not find any corresponding entry, which raised further concerns regarding the college’s staffing standards.
TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirmed that Topmax is presently under investigation due to 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 received licenses.
However, college director Jephiter Omeke Obiri defended the institution, asserting that they had already submitted an application for accreditation and were simply waiting for official approval. He clarified that the college operates four categories of programs: fully accredited, those under interim accreditation, those inspected but pending licenses, and others in the accreditation process.
This assertion, however, seems to contradict TVETA’s regulations. Dr. Langat clarified that training institutions are obliged to publicly display both their registration certificate and license. He cautioned that some colleges continue to teach unlicensed courses, which violates TVETA protocols.
License Misuse Allegations
Further allegations indicate that Topmax is running two institutions in Nakuru utilizing a single license. Although the director insists that the Nakuru campus solely provides education-related programs and is part of the Department of Basic Education, the institution’s advertisement suggests otherwise.
The promotional material lists three campuses—two in Nairobi and one in Bahati. It claims that while the Nairobi branches are under TVET, the Bahati campus operates under the Ministry of Education to offer educational programs.
Dr. Langat stressed that licenses are granted based on facility inspections, and they cannot be transferred to sites that have not been inspected. He explained that if a new location is planned, a new application must be submitted for authorization.
Some students have already initiated legal action, reporting the issue to Kware Police Station. They accuse the college of collecting fees under fraudulent circumstances and are requesting that their money be refunded.
Topmax College Under Investigation Over Unauthorized TVET Courses