Nursing Council Flags Northlands International Medical Training College Over 'Unapproved Courses'

By Staff Writer

The crackdown on unaccredited training institutions and courses in the country has escalated after the Nursing Council of Kenya cited Northlands International Medical Training College for offering nursing courses without approval, warning that its qualifications are not recognized.

The NIMTC, established in 2019 as a registered TVET institution, offers competency-based medical courses and promotes innovation, partnerships, and skills development aimed at preparing students for impactful healthcare practice locally and globally.

In a public notice dated April 20, 2026, the council said the institution was operating outside its regulatory framework, raising concerns over training quality and the legitimacy of certificates issued to unsuspecting students.

The council reiterated that it is the sole statutory authority mandated to approve nursing and midwifery training institutions and programmes in Kenya, emphasizing that any course offered without its approval does not meet required professional standards.

Any qualifications obtained from unapproved institutions cannot be used for licensing or formal employment within the healthcare system, effectively locking affected students out of regulated practice and undermining workforce integrity in the sector.

“The council is committed to ensuring the highest standards in nursing and midwifery education,” the Nursing Council of Kenya said, describing the notice as part of ongoing efforts to protect students and safeguard patient care.

The regulator further warned that Nurse Aid or Nursing Assistant training is not a recognized programme under its framework, cautioning prospective learners against enrolling in such courses regardless of the institutions offering them.

Students and guardians were urged to verify accreditation status before enrollment, with the council directing the public to its official website for an updated list of approved institutions and programmes as of Monday.

Officials indicated that the notice was intended to caution the public rather than target individuals, noting that the council would not be held liable for losses or damages arising from decisions made based on unapproved training.

The warning reflects a broader regulatory push to eliminate unlicensed training providers, amid growing concerns over the proliferation of substandard medical colleges that expose students to financial loss and compromise healthcare service delivery.

“This information is solely for purposes of cautioning the public and not meant to embarrass any individual or entity,” the council stated, reinforcing its position on transparency and public protection in professional training oversight.

The latest action adds to a series of enforcement measures targeting non-compliant institutions, with authorities signaling continued surveillance and possible sanctions against colleges operating outside established legal and professional standards.

In a related development, the Kenya Institute of Management was also shut down over similar concerns, highlighting the widening scope of the crackdown on institutions offering unapproved training programmes across the country.

The institution says it is reviewing a regulatory notice revoking its accreditation and closing campuses, urging stakeholders to remain calm as it engages authorities while reaffirming its longstanding commitment to professionalism, integrity, and transparency.