Church leaders and Kalenjin elders in Uasin Gishu County have stepped in to mediate the ongoing dispute involving the Sh1 billion Finland and Canada overseas education programme. The programme, which saw over 300 parents pay the county government for study opportunities abroad, collapsed, leaving many students stranded and families out of pocket.

At a meeting in Eldoret, Bishop Phillip Rono, Kalenjin Council of Elders chairman Edwin Chepsiror, and Major (Rtd) John Seii expressed regret over the hardship faced by affected families. They pledged to work towards a lasting resolution within two months and appealed to parents and students to halt planned demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday.

Appeal for Peace and Dialogue

  • Bishop Rono apologized to victims, acknowledging the pain caused by the failed programme and urged residents to maintain peace to avoid disrupting activities in Eldoret.
  • Major Seii assured the community that elders and church leaders would actively engage stakeholders, including political leaders and victims, to find a solution that satisfies all parties.

Background and Reactions

The intervention follows growing frustrations after the Nakuru court cleared Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and two others linked to the programme, citing insufficient evidence. Victims, including parent Shadrack Juma and student Asenath Okerio, have vowed to continue seeking refunds, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of the collapsed scheme.

Juma, who lost over Sh1.2 million, emphasized that despite the court ruling, the financial losses remain unresolved. Okerio revealed she abandoned local college studies after the overseas opportunity fell through, describing the experience as stressful and unjust.

Legal Outcome

Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege acquitted the accused after the prosecution’s case, which included 138 witnesses mostly victims, failed to meet the legal burden of proof. Despite this, affected families are pursuing compensation through other legal channels, including Small Claims Court cases.