Bii to Mandago: Tell Us What You Know About Finland, Canada Programs

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has asked his predecessor Jackson Mandago to come out and explain to parents what he knows about the controversial Finland and Canada scholarship programs.

Parents of the students under the program have been up in arms, with some demanding for a refund of their money.

According to Bii, he should not be crucified for a program that he found ongoing.

“We found this initiative in place when we took over the leadership but because I’m the current leader and have a duty to answer what I know. Governor Mandago now our senator should also come and explain,” Bii told Journalists at the county headquarters in Eldoret town.

“Everybody knows this is not my program, they are asking me to answer what I was not involved in. I can’t carry someone’s cross,” he added.

On Monday, some of the parents stormed the Kapseret Sub County offices and demanded an audience with the governor over the matter.

They were demanding a refund. However, the governor and his deputy did not engage the parents.

• Eldoret: Deputy Governor Escapes through Fence Parents Storm Kapseret Sub-County Offices

But according to the county boss, following issues raised over the Finland and Canada programs, he had since set up a task force to address them.

He noted that a preliminary report from the task force had revealed that the account that was receiving funds from parents to facilitate their children’s overseas study had a deficit of Ksh138 million.

Of the total deficit, Ksh87 million was used to pay for parents who had not cleared their fees and other study costs while Ksh17 million had been overpaid to various institutions in Canada and Finland.

DG Barorot: Refund not possible

A further Ksh32.8 million cannot be accounted for.

“Relevant agencies are now investigating to find out the whereabouts of the funds,” the governor said.

On his part, Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot said they have been engaging with parents ever since issues around the overseas program emerged.

He noted that they have been working on finding a solution to the matter and ensuring students already in Canada and Finland complete their studies.

But regarding the demand by some parents to have their monies refunded Eng. Barorot said it was not possible at the moment.

“We are laying the facts bare as they are. Currently, the overseas account has only Ksh1.8 million so the issue of the refund is not possible,” the deputy county boss.

He however assured parents that they will work on addressing their issues and find an amicable solution.

So far, at least 266 students are in Finland and Canada courtesy of the overseas program.

Several other students are also lined up to travel abroad.