Finland Education Program to Continue Despite Controversy, Says Deputy Governor Barorot
John Barorot, the deputy governor of Uasin Gishu, has stated that despite controversies, the controversial Finland education and employment program will continue.
He stated that the issues that have hampered the program will not undermine it.
Barorot said they will not run away from the initiative or abandon students still prepared to take up study opportunities in Finland or other countries.
Barorot affirmed that those are their children, and despite the challenges they have encountered, they will not shy away from their responsibilities.
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He stated that they would continue to focus on their goal of assisting their children in pursuing their education.
He reported that another group of 46 students had been issued visas to travel to Finland beginning today (Monday).
Barorot reported that they have 22 students scheduled to travel on Monday, and an additional 24 students will be traveling the following week in Moiben.
He stated that they are now collaborating with the national government to resolve the issues that led to street protests in Eldoret.
Parents and students are requesting a refund of over Sh300,000,000.
Although the affected students had paid fees through the county, they were unable to take part in the program that former Uasin Gishu governor and current senator Jackson Mandago started.
Four individuals, including Mandago, have been charged with fraud. They deny misconduct.
As governor, Mandago denied conspiring to defraud the Uasin Gishu County Education Trust Fund of Sh1.1 billion.
He was released on parole after posting Sh500,000. Along with former county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, he was prosecuted.
They denied the allegations. On October 2, the case will be mentioned for a pretrial hearing.
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Barorot stated that even though the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the DCI were still investigating the situation, the county and government were doing everything possible to assist all afflicted students and others willing to travel.
Barorot conveyed that, under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii, they remained committed to their goal. He acknowledged changes in embassy rules but affirmed their continued assistance to those who were willing to travel.
Five additional students were granted visas to travel to Canada, while more than a hundred others waited in line.
“I assure parents that we will not abandon this program because we recognize that it is virtuous and will benefit both the children and ourselves,” Barorot said.
He stated that the county was eager to support all beneficial educational programs for students.
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The county functions as a guarantor for the students enrolled in the overseas education program, but the parents must pay college tuition.
Barorot stated that the embassies had altered their visa-issuing policies, and that it was now mandatory for students to pay one year’s tuition in advance before being permitted to travel.
Finland Education Program to Continue Despite Controversy, Says Deputy Governor Barorot
