- Parents and learners stormed Uasin Gishu County offices in Eldoret demanding refunds after the collapse of the Finland–Canada overseas education programme, which left many stranded despite heavy financial sacrifices.
- The protests followed the acquittal of Senator Jackson Mandago and co‑accused, a verdict that frustrated families who argued their financial losses remain unaddressed.
- Despite apologies and promises from Kalenjin elders and church leaders to find a solution within two months, victims vowed to continue demonstrations until a clear refund plan is provided.
Protests broke out in Eldoret earlier today as parents and learners affected by the failed Finland and Canada overseas education programme demanded refunds from the Uasin Gishu County Government. The demonstrators, carrying placards and banners, marched to the county headquarters seeking an audience with Governor Jonathan Bii, insisting that their financial losses must be addressed.
The victims accused county leaders of failing to provide a clear compensation plan, saying they had sacrificed heavily to raise money for the programme. Families recounted selling land, disposing of property, taking loans, and holding fundraisers to finance their children’s planned studies abroad, only for the initiative to collapse.
“Our sons and daughters have suffered a lot by losing a great learning opportunity that cannot be compensated by any amount. If the program was executed as planned earlier, many of them could have graduated with degrees of their choice by now,” the victims said.
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The demonstrations came just days after a court acquitted Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his co‑accused, a ruling that left many families frustrated. Protesters argued that the verdict did not address their financial losses and pressed Governor Bii to outline a concrete refund plan.
More than 300 parents had paid money to the county government under the Sh1 billion programme, hoping to secure study opportunities for their children in Finland and Canada. However, many learners never travelled after the plan collapsed, leaving families devastated.
Kalenjin elders and church leaders in Uasin Gishu apologised and pledged to help find a solution within two months. The leaders appealed to parents and students to suspend demonstrations, but victims rejected the request, vowing to continue their push for justice.
Authorities have urged calm and asked the public to rely on official communication as investigations into the programme continue. The county government is expected to release further updates on the way forward.
By Our Reporter
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