Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii on January 13, 2023, said that his administration will enhance overseas education programs to create more and long-term opportunities for local students.
He spoke at the county headquarters in Eldoret town when he hosted a Finnish delegation.
Led by Deputy Mayor Pekka Salmi, the delegation was in town to meet Uasin Gishu County Education Taskforce and representatives of parents of students abroad to iron out the teething challenges of the program.
“We appreciate that a new idea always faces implementation challenges but we are working closely with parents and the universities towards a common goal,” Governor Bii said.
“Going forward, my administration is providing more transparency by entering into MOUs with parents and also ensuring parents are trustee members in the education trust so they have more say in the management of the program,” he added.
While applauding the law-abiding students sent abroad, Tampere Deputy Mayor said they also provide quality labour force which is in high demand.
“This program is a win-win for both Uasin Gishu County and Finland. The students are entrepreneurial and in high demand by most employers,” Salmi said.
Dr. Caritas Prokui, representing Tampere University echoed Salmi’s sentiments while adding that Finnish Universities and colleges are eager to fix teething problems and ensure the sustainability of the program.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot who led the taskforce pledged to the Finnish delegation that his team will re-negotiate their engagements to ensure all parties are happy.
Also present during the meeting included Education County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Janet Kosgey, CECM for Youth, Sports and Innovation Lucy Ng’endo, County Secretary Edwin Bett, as well as Stephen Lel (County Attorney) amongst other government officials.
The Finnish delegation brought together representatives from Tampere, Jyvaskala and LUT universities.
