More than 300 parents and students affected by the failed Finland-Canada scholarship program staged protests at the Uasin Gishu County headquarters in Eldoret. They demanded refunds from the county government after the overseas education initiative collapsed, leaving many learners stranded.
The demonstrators, carrying placards and banners, sought a meeting with Governor Jonathan Bii to address their grievances. They accused county officials of lacking a clear refund plan despite the significant financial losses incurred. Many families revealed they had sold land, taken loans, or held fundraisers to finance their children’s intended studies abroad.
Impact on families
- Parents lamented lost educational opportunities, stating their children missed out on degrees they might have earned.
- The court’s recent acquittal of Senator Jackson Mandago and co-accused in the related Sh1.1 billion scholarship case did not satisfy the victims, who stressed the ruling did not resolve their financial losses.
Community response
- Kalenjin elders and church leaders apologized to the affected families and pledged to facilitate a resolution within two months.
- Despite calls from these leaders to halt demonstrations, the victims remained firm on continuing their protests until a refund plan is implemented.
- Leaders including Bishop Phillip Rono and Elders’ chairman Edwin Chepsiror committed to engaging all stakeholders to find an acceptable solution.
The scholarship program had initially involved payments by parents to the county government to secure study placements in Finland and Canada. However, the scheme collapsed, and many students never traveled.
Victims emphasized that no monetary compensation can fully make up for the lost educational opportunities but urged Governor Bii to prioritize refunding the affected families. The protests have raised concerns about maintaining peace and normalcy in Eldoret, with community leaders appealing for calm as they work toward a resolution.
