Uasin Gishu Governor Finally Responds To Finland Scholarship Fiasco

Uasin Gishu Governor Finally Responds To Finland Scholarship Fiasco

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has revealed that the Finland Saga issue in the County has been handed over to the county’s elders and bishops.

Governor Bii made the statement while presiding over the Church Service at ACK St Stephen’s Chepkoilel, Uasin Gishu County, in August 2, in the presence of President William Ruto.

He asserted that the main aim is to quell the atmosphere surrounding the issue in the county and nationally, as per the governor.

“The issue involving the Finland scholarship is one that has troubled this country for such a long time,” Governor Bii stated.

“Now that the matter has been handed over to the community elders in the county, as well as the bishops. We do not want to hear any issues surrounding that matter ever again in this county.”

This effectively places the responsibility on village elders to engage communities across Uasin Gishu County, particularly young people and other key stakeholders, in an effort to foster consensus and de-escalate tensions surrounding the Finland scholarship saga.

The move reflects the longstanding role of elders and church leaders in Kenya as trusted community mediators who help resolve disputes, facilitate dialogue between residents and authorities, and promote social cohesion during periods of heightened tension.

This comes barely a week after the Nakuru Law Courts acquitted former Governor and current Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago in the Ksh1.1 billion scholarship case that had gripped the county for years.

ALSO READ:

More than 300 parents paid the county under the Overseas Education Programme, hoping to secure study opportunities for their children in Finland and Canada, only to be left stranded.

Kalenjin elders and church leaders had already apologised to affected families days earlier, pledging to help resolve the long-running dispute within two months.

However, some parents and learners remain unconvinced, having repeatedly stormed the Governor’s office in Eldoret to demand immediate refunds rather than a prolonged mediation process.

The issue has been a bone of contention in President Ruto’s camp in the county, as Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has repeatedly criticised Mandago despite his court clearance.

Sudi accused him of funding lawyers instead of organising a fundraiser or refunds for families robbed.

He also urged leaders to abandon politics and address the crisis.

Uasin Gishu Governor Finally Responds To Finland Scholarship Fiasco