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Topmax College, based in Embakasi, Nairobi, is facing intense scrutiny after investigations uncovered that it has been offering courses not approved by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), including critical programs like mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT.
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Students and parents are now demanding accountability, expressing concerns about wasted time, financial loss, and shattered educational dreams. Many enrolled at the college in good faith, unaware that some of their programs lacked accreditation.
Citizen TV spoke to distressed first-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua, who recounted a shocking visit to the TVETA offices.
“When we went to TVETA to confirm if they were licensed, we were told Topmax is only authorized to offer 12 courses,” Nelly revealed.
Rose added, “The director admitted the courses weren’t accredited. We were told to write letters so investigations could begin.”
Another student, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We heard from earlier students that job applications were being rejected because their certificates were fake. Whenever we demanded a meeting, he would just buy us sodas. He even ignored three separate meeting requests.”
A report aired by Citizen TV shows Topmax, owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri, runs two registered branches—Pipeline and Bee Centre in Umoja. The Pipeline branch is licensed to offer 14 courses, while the Bee Centre campus is accredited for just two: Criminal Justice Management and Journalism.
Despite this, students are enrolled in numerous other unaccredited programs. One parent said suspicions arose when their child came home reporting unrest at the college over certificate legitimacy.
The college’s 24-page brochure advertises 37 programs across its business, ICT, and engineering schools—many claiming KNEC, JP-UK, ICM, ABMA, NITA, or TVET as examining bodies. However, TVETA’s records contradict this.
One student, enrolled for two years, said they’ve never received transcripts despite sitting for exams every semester. “The teachers aren’t qualified. Whenever a professional instructor joins, they leave before the semester ends. We’re mostly taught by interns or student teachers.”
A concerned parent also shared, “I tried confirming a lecturer’s name on the TVETA website, and it wasn’t listed among accredited trainers.”
TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirmed that an official investigation is underway following numerous complaints. “Courses like nutrition, nursing, and mortuary science were flagged. They’re not approved,” he said.
However, Topmax director Obiri downplayed the accusations, claiming they’ve submitted applications and are awaiting TVETA’s response. He categorized their programs into four groups: fully accredited, under interim approval, pending inspection, and awaiting final licensing.
Dr. Langat disputed that explanation, stating institutions are required to publicly display their registration and license certificates. “Sometimes schools launch unapproved programs, which is against regulations,” he said.
Topmax is also accused of misusing a single license to operate new campuses in Nakuru. While Obiri insists the Bahati campus only offers education courses under the Ministry of Education, a poster advertising the institutions claims otherwise.
Dr. Langat clarified, “Each license is location-specific. You can’t transfer it to a new site without reapplying and undergoing inspection.”
Several affected students have reported the college to Kware Police Station, accusing it of fraud and seeking refunds.
