The Uasin Gishu County Government will engage elders, religious leaders and members of the County Assembly in a fresh bid to resolve the long-running Finland scholarships saga, Governor Jonathan Bii has announced, days after a court cleared former Governor Jackson Mandago and other accused persons over the controversial overseas education program.
In a statement released on Sunday, July 27, Governor Bii said the county respects the ruling delivered by the Nakuru Law Courts but maintains that several concerns raised by parents who lost money in the program remain unanswered.
The governor said his administration is committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution for affected families, many of whom paid substantial sums hoping to secure educational opportunities abroad for their children.
“The financial losses suffered by parents who sought overseas educational opportunities for their children remain a matter of great concern,” Bii said in the statement.
Uasin Gishu Elders to Mediate Mandago’s Saga
The Finland and Canada education program attracted hundreds of parents from Uasin Gishu and neighboring counties.
However, many students failed to travel to study abroad as promised, triggering public outcry, investigations and a court case that attracted national attention.
Also Read: KUCCPS Issues College Application Deadline for C and Below KCSE Students
Although the recent court ruling brought the criminal proceedings to an end, the governor said the concerns of affected families cannot be ignored.
Governor Bii said key issues surrounding the program still require answers despite the judgment.
Among the questions raised by the county chief are the fate of children whose parents lost money, who should take responsibility for funds contributed by parents, and whether any refunds have been made and through what channels.
“What becomes of the children whose parents lost their money? What responsibility rests with those who received or managed funds contributed by parents? Have any refunds been made, and if so, to whom and through which accounts?” the Governor stated.
According to the governor, these are legitimate concerns that deserve transparent and satisfactory answers.
He recalled that in 2022, the County Assembly received a petition from affected parents whose children were unable to take up study opportunities in Finland.
The assembly subsequently directed his office to establish an ad hoc committee to look into the matter.
The committee, chaired by the then deputy governor, recommended that issues raised by parents be subjected to further investigations by the relevant government agencies.
Governor Bii also maintained that the Overseas Education Program was not a county government initiative and that money contributed by parents was not deposited into any county government account.
Also Read: Sakaja Issues New Directives to State Agencies, Developers Over Cutting Trees in Nairobi
Even so, he acknowledged that the matter has had a significant impact on families within the county, creating a moral and leadership obligation for the county government to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.
Alternative Justice Path
To address the concerns, Governor Bii said the county will explore the Alternative Justice System (AJS), which is recognized under Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution as a mechanism for mediation, reconciliation and community-based dispute resolution.
He said he has directed the county legal team to explore the possibility of settling the matter through dialogue and mediation in pursuit of a fair and lasting outcome for all parties.
The governor further disclosed that respected elders, members of the clergy and the leadership of the County Assembly have already been brought on board to support the process.
“I have therefore directed the County Legal Team to explore the possibility of resolving this matter through the Alternative Justice System,” he said.
According to the governor, the proposed mediation initiative is intended to promote accountability, transparency and justice while helping affected parents and students obtain closure.
He appealed to all parties involved in the dispute to participate in the process in good faith to ensure a dignified resolution of the matter.
“To the affected parents and students, I assure you that the County Government will continue to support all lawful efforts that promote accountability, transparency and justice,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
