Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has denied any involvement in the Finland education saga. He has further called on his predecessor, Jackson Mandago, to come out and explain his role in the program.
The governor was responding to protests from parents who are demanding a refund of over 300 million Kenya shillings.
The more than 300 parents who are victims of the Finland education scam, have been protesting in Eldoret town demanding a refund.
The Finland overseas education programme was initiated during former governor Jackson Mandago’s tenure.
Each parent paid between Sh1.2 million and Sh3.5 million to the county government of Uasin Gishu. The county was then supposed to take their children to colleges in Finland. The parents however claim that up to now, none of their children had benefitted from the overseas education programme.
The first batch of 200 students travelled to Finland where they are studying. However, more than 300 others missed out despite paying the money. The parents claim the students who managed to travel are also suffering in Finland with fees arrears, lack of food, accommodation, and no means to travel back home.
They claim that some of their affected children had threatened to commit suicide over the scam.
“We have petitioned President William Ruto to intervene because he is the only hope left for us now. If he doesn’t then we will strip naked in Eldoret so that everyone can feel our pain”, the mother said.
Governor Bii stated that the Finland overseas education program was initiated during Mandago’s tenure. The former governor, he adds, should be held accountable for any challenges it has faced. Bii emphasized that he should not be blamed for something he had no knowledge of. He has urged those complaining to seek answers from Mandago, who is now a Senator.
Bii however highlighted that since assuming office, he has taken steps to address the issues surrounding the program. He has formed a task force to investigate the matter. Bii stated that he has also requested the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct its own probe.
The governor also explained that their investigation revealed that the account where the parents deposited the money was managed by the Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Trust. The trust is however an independent registered trust with the county government holding no control over it.
Bii and his deputy, John Barorot, also disclosed that part of the deposited money had been used to pay fees and other expenses for 365 students. The amount already paid totals 87 million shillings.
Barorot mentioned that the county bank account had a deficit of approximately 137 million shillings. It also had about 35 million shillings, which couldn’t be accounted for, and is currently under investigation by the EACC.
Governor Bii announced that the program has been temporarily suspended until all the pending issues are resolved. He expressed his support for providing study opportunities abroad for Kenyan youth but stressed the need to address the current challenges.
Barorot informed that the amount owed to parents totals around 138 million shillings. However, the bank account currently only holds 1 million shillings. He acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by affected parents and students and urged them to be patient while the matter is being resolved.
Governor Bii emphasized that the issue should not be politicized. He further apologized to the affected parents and students for the inconvenience caused.
