KIM campuses closure directive suspended as gov't upholds certificates validity

The temporary reprieve comes as the Ministry of Education told the National Assembly that all certificates issued by the institution remain valid, as consultations continue ahead of a comprehensive statement expected within two days.

The interim orders issued by Justice William Musyoka at the Milimani Law Courts have offered relief to thousands of former and current students, as well as their parents, who had been thrown into confusion following the directive.

Justice Musyoka certified the matter as urgent and directed that it be heard ex parte in the first instance. The court also allowed the Kenya Institute of Management to challenge the order requiring the institution and all its campuses to shut down immediately.

At the same time, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba told the National Assembly that discussions are ongoing to resolve the matter, noting that the institution has already filed an appeal against TVETA’s decision.

"As a ministry, we are committed to resolving the matter through a consultative approach that safeguards all parties involved while ensuring compliance," stated Education CS Migos Ogamba.

Members of Parliament questioned why the Ministry had taken more than eight years to revoke certificates held by over 100,000 Kenyans who are already earning a living using the qualifications obtained from the institution.

The CS told the House that the decision is under review and assured that all qualifications issued by the Kenya Institute of Management remain valid.

"With respect to KIM and certificates the students got from 2018 and the period of the order, they remain valid. No person qualified under KIM is disenfranchised," stated Migos Ogamba, CS Education.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority had earlier declared that qualifications obtained from the institution from 2018 onwards would not be recognised for employment, further education or professional advancement.