ELDORET, Kenya – Parents and students affected by the controversial Uasin Gishu Finland and Canada overseas education programme staged demonstrations in Eldoret on Tuesday, demanding the refund of millions of shillings they paid into the now-defunct scholarship scheme.
The protesters marched through major streets in Eldoret City carrying placards and chanting slogans, briefly disrupting traffic and business activities as curious residents gathered to witness the demonstrations.
“We are demanding our rights; we want our rights. We want back our money,” the protesters chanted as they walked through the town centre.
Some of the demonstrators appealed directly to President William Ruto, holding placards that read: “H.E. President William Ruto, it is now three years since you promised to help us,” accompanied by a portrait of the Head of State.
Others called on Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi to intervene, urging him to rally leaders in finding a lasting solution to the long-running dispute.
The protests come just five days after the High Court in Nakuru acquitted Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused of charges related to the alleged misappropriation of funds collected under the county’s overseas education programme.
In a ruling delivered on July 23, the court found that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against Mandago, clearing him of criminal liability over the handling of funds collected from parents seeking overseas education opportunities for their children.
The Finland and Canada scholarship programme was launched during Mandago’s tenure as Uasin Gishu Governor, with parents contributing up to Sh1 million per student to facilitate studies abroad.
However, the initiative later collapsed after numerous students either failed to travel or became stranded in Finland following unpaid tuition and accommodation fees.
According to investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), parents contributed approximately Sh957 million to the programme.
Investigators indicated that only about Sh257 million was used to pay tuition and other student-related expenses, while the balance was allegedly misappropriated.
Tuesday’s demonstrations also came a day after Kalenjin elders and church leaders in Uasin Gishu publicly apologised to affected families and pledged to pursue a resolution within two months.
Despite the assurance, the victims maintained they would continue staging protests until they receive refunds and those responsible are held accountable.
