Kisumu, Kenya — The embattled Medprime Training College is once again facing public outrage after students from its Kisumu and Nairobi branches came forward alleging that the institution’s certificates are not recognized by key government regulators — leaving thousands of learners stranded, jobless, and disillusioned.
The complaints mirror a similar scandal in Eldoret earlier this year, where furious students stormed the college offices demanding refunds, accusing Medprime of collecting millions of shillings in tuition fees while operating without proper accreditation from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Students Speak Out: “We’ve Been Betrayed”
Dozens of students now claim that after years of paying fees, attending classes, and completing attachments, they have discovered that their certificates are worthless in the job market.
“We sold livestock, maize, and even personal property to pay school fees. Now employers are telling us our papers mean nothing,” said one frustrated parent in Kisumu.
Learners allege that Medprime has continued to admit new students into programs in nursing, dental care, and caregiving despite lacking clear accreditation from regulatory bodies such as the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), NITA, or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
Many say they were lured through aggressive marketing campaigns, promised internationally recognized qualifications, and later abandoned once payments were made.
Pattern of Abuse and False Promises
Reports from Kisumu suggest that students were forced to clear pending balances before receiving attachment logbooks, while others were assigned hospitals far from their homes—a move they believe was intended to frustrate their completion.
There are also hygiene concerns, with learners reporting the use of dirty water dispensers, neglected facilities, and inadequate support during field placements.
Despite these issues, the college allegedly continued to issue official-looking transcripts and certificates, complete with signatures and seals of supposed “medical doctors.” Yet, investigations indicate that these documents carry no legal or professional recognition, making them invalid in the eyes of employers or licensing bodies.
One transcript reviewed by our reporters listed multiple modules and grades, giving the impression of a legitimate academic program. However, employers familiar with Kenya’s training regulations confirmed that Medprime is not listed among approved institutions, rendering its qualifications “non-recognized.”
Questionable Certifications and Misleading Claims
Some graduates have also presented Basic Life Support and First Aid certificates issued via SaveaLife.com, which Medprime reportedly uses to suggest professional qualification.
While online certifications are legitimate in some contexts, they do not replace statutory approval from Kenyan regulatory agencies. This, experts say, creates a false sense of legitimacy and deceives students into believing their training meets industry standards.
Parents Demand Refunds, Authorities Silent
Parents and guardians across Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nairobi are now questioning how Medprime continues to operate “openly and freely” despite multiple complaints.
“We feel completely cheated. The government must explain how this school is still advertising courses and taking in new students,” said another guardian.
Frustration is mounting over what appears to be a regulatory vacuum—where enforcement agencies fail to act even after multiple red flags.
Calls for Accountability
Education experts and victims are now calling for an urgent investigation by the Ministry of Education, NITA, NCK, and TVETA to determine how Medprime has continued to function amid widespread allegations of deception and exploitation.
The scandal highlights the growing challenge of unregulated private colleges that exploit Kenya’s high youth unemployment by promising quick qualifications for overseas jobs, only to leave graduates with fake or unrecognized certificates.
Unless decisive action is taken, observers warn that more students will continue to lose millions of shillings, wasting years of study and emotional effort on worthless qualifications.
A Call for Whistleblowers
We urge current and former students of Medprime Training College—or any similar institution—to come forward and share their experiences. Your stories are essential in exposing predatory education practices, protecting prospective students, and pressuring authorities to enforce accreditation laws.
You can report anonymously or publicly to help create a full record of how unaccredited institutions continue to exploit vulnerable families seeking a better future through education.