Topmax College in Embakasi, Nairobi, is under fire for allegedly offering unapproved courses, raising alarm among students and parents who now face the grim reality of wasted time and resources. An investigation by Citizen TV revealed that the institution has been conducting classes in unaccredited programs, including mortuary science, theatre technology, and ICT.
First-year students Nelly Mutiwa and Rose Wambua said their visit to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) left them shocked. “We were told only 12 courses are licensed at the Pipeline branch,” Nelly said. Rose added that a director admitted the unapproved status of their course and advised them to report it.
A TVETA report confirmed that Topmax College, owned by Jephiter Omeke Obiri, is registered to offer only 14 accredited courses at its Pipeline branch and two at its Bee Centre campus in Umoja. Despite this, the college’s brochure advertises 37 business-related courses and 12 ICT programs, many purportedly examined by KNEC, ICM, ABMA, and other bodies.
Students claim they haven’t received transcripts after semesters of exams, and complain of unqualified teachers—some being trainees on attachment. One student said, “We’ve been here two years without transcripts. Sometimes, we’re taught by people who don’t finish the semester.”
Parents are equally outraged, with one saying she couldn’t verify a teacher’s name on TVETA’s accredited trainer list. TVETA Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat confirmed that Topmax is under active investigation, noting that unlicensed programs like nutrition and mortuary science are part of ongoing complaints.
The college’s director, Obiri, defended the institution, claiming that some courses are under interim accreditation. However, Dr. Langat clarified that such offerings are illegal unless fully licensed and visibly registered per TVETA regulations.
Concerns have also been raised about the use of a single license to operate a third campus in Bahati, Nakuru, without proper approval. Some affected students have filed complaints at Kware Police Station, accusing the institution of fraud and demanding refunds as the controversy continues to unfold.
