Finland-Canada scholarship scam: Victims storm Uasin Gishu offices demanding refunds

Protests erupted in Eldoret on Tuesday as parents and learners affected by the collapsed Finland and Canada education programme demanded refunds of money paid to the Uasin Gishu County Government after the overseas study plan failed.

Carrying placards and banners with messages of appeal, the victims stormed the Uasin Gishu County headquarters seeking an audience with Governor Jonathan Bii as they demanded answers on how their money would be refunded.

They accused the county leadership of failing to provide a clear plan on how they would be refunded, saying they incurred heavy financial losses after putting their money into the programme. Some of the affected families said they sold land, disposed of property, took loans and held fundraisers to raise funds for their children’s planned overseas studies.

"Our sons and daughters have suffered a lot by losing a great learning opportunity that cannot be compensated by any amount. If the program was executed as planned earlier, many of them could have graduated with degrees of their choice by now," the victims said.

The victims also rejected calls to suspend the demonstrations, insisting that their push for justice and refunds would continue.

The protests followed a recent court decision that found Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and the co-accused not guilty, a ruling that left many affected families frustrated.

The victims said the court outcome did not address their financial losses and called on Governor Bii to ensure that a plan is put in place to refund the money they paid to the county government.

More than 300 parents had paid money to the Uasin Gishu County Government under the overseas education programme, hoping to secure study opportunities for their children in Finland and Canada. However, many learners never travelled after the programme collapsed.

The demonstrations came a day after Kalenjin elders and church leaders in Uasin Gishu apologised to families affected by the Sh1 billion Finland and Canada overseas education programme and promised to help find a solution within two months.

The leaders, however, appealed to parents and students to suspend the demonstrations, but the victims rejected the request.

At a meeting in Eldoret, church leaders led by Bishop Phillip Rono and Kalenjin Council of Elders chairman Edwin Chepsiror, alongside Major (Rtd) John Seii, agreed to engage victims, political leaders and other stakeholders in efforts to resolve the dispute.

"We apologise for what happened because we have been touched by the cries of those affected. We know it is very painful for them because they lost their hard-earned money," Bishop Rono said.

Rono urged residents to maintain peace, warning that street protests could interfere with normal activities in Eldoret.

Major (Rtd) Seii said the elders had taken up the matter and were committed to helping the affected families find a solution.

"Let the affected families have confidence in us because, as elders and church leaders, we will ensure we get a solution that will please everyone," Seii said.