A leading consumer rights group has urged Kenyan authorities to reconsider the abrupt closure of a major training institution, warning that thousands of students risk being caught in the fallout.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) on Monday called for a review of the decision by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority to revoke the accreditation of the Kenya Institute of Management and shut down all its campuses.

In a sharply worded statement, COFEK said the directive failed to address the fate of students already enrolled.

“While we do not condone any institution operating outside the law, we are alarmed that the notice makes no provision for the protection of thousands of currently enrolled students,” the organisation said.

The authority had cited regulatory breaches, saying the institute was offering and awarding programmes without proper approval. It also warned that certificates issued after 2018 would not be recognised for employment or further study.

For many students, the announcement came without warning. Some are midway through courses, with exams pending and fees already paid.

COFEK described the situation as deeply unsettling. It argued that students had entered their programmes in good faith, expecting to graduate with recognised qualifications.

“The abrupt move leaves learners in the lurch,” the group said, noting that the consequences could stretch beyond education to employment prospects and professional advancement.

Education analysts say such closures, while necessary to uphold standards, often expose gaps in how regulators handle transitions. Without clear contingency plans, students can bear the heaviest burden.

The federation warned that the impact could extend even further. Some students may face disruptions to job opportunities, while others could encounter complications linked to study or work permits.

COFEK has urged the regulator to review how the closure is implemented, calling for measures that safeguard students while still enforcing compliance.

The institute, for its part, acknowledged the regulator’s decision and said it had launched an internal audit. It told students and partners it was working to address the concerns.

For now, uncertainty hangs over thousands of learners — a reminder that in efforts to enforce standards, the human cost can be immediate and profound.