The High Court temporarily halted a decision by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to revoke the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), pending further directions.
In orders issued at the Milimani Law Courts, Justice William Musyoka granted KIM leave to commence judicial review proceedings against TVETA’s decision.
The judge further directed that the leave operate as a stay, suspending both the revocation and a closure order issued on April 20.
“I hereby grant leave… In the meantime, there shall be a stay,” Justice Musyoka ruled.
The matter will be mentioned on April 29, 2026 for further directions and compliance.
KIM moved to court under a certificate of urgency, arguing that TVETA’s actions were unlawful and procedurally flawed.
Through its lawyers, the institute described the revocation as “capricious” and in violation of due process under the TVET Act.
The institution told the court it had responded to compliance concerns raised by the regulator in October 2025 and subsequently received renewed accreditation certificates for several campuses, some extending to 2031.
It also contends that TVETA continued licensing its trainers even after the alleged compliance issues were addressed.
Founded in 1954, KIM says it has trained more than 70,000 graduates and maintains a membership base exceeding 10,000 professionals.
The dispute intensified after TVETA issued a public notice declaring that qualifications obtained from KIM after 2018 would not be recognized for employment, further studies, or professional advancement.
KIM argues that the regulator exceeded its legal mandate, maintaining that TVETA lacks authority to nullify academic or professional qualifications.
It further contended that the notice caused widespread panic among students, alumni, and corporate partners.
In court documents, KIM said the directive had already triggered serious consequences, including the suspension of bank accounts and withdrawal of service providers.
A representative of the institute, Raymond Mwangi, stated in a sworn affidavit that the decision had caused “immense anxiety” and significant operational disruption.
KIM also argued that its activities extend beyond TVET regulation, including professional certifications licensed by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), corporate training programs, research, and the organization of the Company of the Year Awards (COYA).
