Nairobi
Students Tricked by College Offering Unaccredited Courses in Pipeline Estate
NAIROBI, Kenya – April 20, 2025.
A technical college located in Pipeline Estate, Embakasi, has sparked outrage
and concern among students and parents after revelations surfaced that it has
been running unapproved programs. The institution, which presented itself as a
legitimate educational provider, reportedly lured unsuspecting learners into
paying for courses that are not recognized by Kenya’s Technical and Vocational
Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
Students have shared harrowing
experiences of enrolling in various popular courses such as mortuary science, information
technology, and theatre technology, only to later discover that none of these
programs are officially accredited.
Fake
Diplomas and Broken Dreams: The Pipeline College Controversy
The institution strategically priced
its courses to attract low-income students eager for skills and qualifications.
However, upon completing their studies and seeking official transcripts or
certification, many were stunned to learn that the college was never authorized
to offer most of the advertised programs.
According to TVETA records, the
college is only authorized to offer 14 programs across two branches—in Pipeline
and Umoja’s Bee Centre. Yet its brochure misleadingly promoted 37 different
diploma and certificate courses, many of which were completely unrecognized.
“The brochure was very convincing,”
said one affected student. “But once we tried to verify the course recognition,
we were met with silence or excuses from the administration.”
Underqualified
Tutors, Missing Transcripts and Phantom Campuses
Students have also raised red flags
about the quality of instruction, revealing that many of the lecturers lacked
the proper credentials. In some instances, qualified professionals were hired
briefly, only to leave within a semester due to unclear reasons. The college
has also been criticized for routinely failing to issue exam transcripts, even
to students who had completed multiple semesters.
“I finished the program over six
months ago, but I still haven’t received any documentation,” said another
learner. “Every time I ask; they tell me to wait.”
The controversy deepened after
reports emerged that the college was operating two unauthorized
campuses—including one in Bahati, Nakuru County—using a single license meant
only for the Nairobi locations.
TVETA has now confirmed that a
formal investigation is underway, with preliminary findings indicating
widespread violations of training standards. Critical courses such as nursing
and nutrition, which require strict regulatory compliance, were also offered
without accreditation.
Potential
Legal Action and Impact on Students
The fallout from this education scam
is expected to be significant. If the institution is found guilty of breaching
education laws, it could face fines, de-registration, and possible shutdown of
all branches. For students, especially those who invested time and money in
these unaccredited programs, the road ahead remains uncertain.
The case highlights the urgent need
for regulatory oversight and public awareness regarding course accreditation.
TVETA has urged students to verify the legitimacy of any academic program
before enrolling.
For now, affected students remain in
limbo—armed with certificates that may never be recognized by employers,
government bodies, or professional associations.
