Parents Cry for Refunds as Finland Education Scam Sends Shockwaves in Uasin Gishu

Parents Cry for Refunds as Finland Education Scam Sends Shockwaves in Uasin Gishu

Parents and students affected by the Finland education scam in the county of Uasin Gishu shed tears as Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago detailed their stories.

The two leaders had convened a meeting, but the majority of the parents and children were inconsolable.

As some of the parents described how they sold property or used retirement benefits to pay for their children’s education in Finland, emotions ran high.

Edward Kiptek, one of the parents, said, “I paid Sh2.5 million for my two children to study in Finland, but two years later we are all impoverished and suffering from depression at home.”

Some of the students who were excluded from the program wept, accusing county officials of outright deceiving them.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago was placed in an awkward position on Monday during a meeting with parents and students to discuss the Finland education program.

Both Bii and Mandago have denied wrongdoing in the administration of funds contributed by parents for their children’s school fees, while the EACC continues to investigate the alleged misappropriation of Sh837 million by Uasin Gishu County Government officials.

Parents described how the county askaris harassed them for being fierce and demanding their rights.

“I am willing to die or be murdered by county assassins, and then you can send your child to deliver the eulogy at my funeral,” one of the students said.

During the presentation of evidence, a parent objected that Mandago’s claims that parents never paid school fees were false.

According to him, 51 candidates were admitted to a Finnish university: 25 for degree programs and 26 for nursing programs.

“It is false for Hon. Mandago to assert that parents have never paid fees,” he said.

Before he could continue, however, the senator interrupted him by saying “ngoja kidogo” (please wait), to which other parents responded with hand gestures and cries for him to allow the parent to finish speaking.

“No! no! “I cannot permit you to proceed,” Mandago exclaimed.
Senator: “I don’t dispute what he just said, but have I ever claimed that parents never paid tuition?”

In an apparent admission that he was at fault for that claim, the parent shifted gears and attempted to continue the conversation.

“Tulia, tulia,” repeated. Mr. Mandago, tulia,” he replied as the senator attempted to elucidate his statement that parents paid for tuition.

“Tulia, you must possess emotional intelligence. “You’ve had your turn, but it’s all right, it was your turn,” the parent said.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mandago persuaded participants to remain calm and allow everyone ample opportunity to present their ideas.

“We do not all have the same ideas, so don’t tell people to be quiet,” he stated.

“We wish to hear from every parent who has something to say; we wish to hear from everyone. “That’s why we’re here, because anyone with evidence says it,” he continued.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Finland has 233 students, while Canada has 45.

According to the commission, funds intended for children who had not yet traveled were used to cover second-semester tuition for those already enrolled in universities abroad.

EACC stated that investigations will disclose any embezzlement that may have occurred.

“A total of Sh257,326,740 was debited from the Uasin Gishu Overseas Account to beneficiaries indicated as agents and/or intermediaries for onward transmission to universities in Finland and Canada,” EACC said in a statement on August 1.

In addition, the commission stated that the investigation will center on the Sh57,538,429 withdrawn locally by county officials designated to administer the Trust Fund Account.

After a four-hour meeting, Bii and Mandago were at a loss for words, admitting that the problem was severe and that the parents were entitled to a refund.

Bii stated, “We have listened, and we agree that all you require is a refund.”

Mandago stated that he had initiated the program in good faith, but wished he had known it would encounter difficulties.

Both Mandago and Bii informed the parents that they would need one week to devise a refund strategy.

Over 300 parents are requesting a refund of more than 300 million.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddison Nyale and Deputy Governor John Barorot were also present at the meeting.

Parents Cry for Refunds as Finland Education Scam Sends Shockwaves in Uasin Gishu