$8.5M Kenyan Education Fraud: Senior Official Tied to Failed Programs in Canada and Finland

In a Nakuru court, a troubling narrative is unfolding, one that draws attention not only to the alleged misdeeds of Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii but also to the vulnerabilities of parents who sought a brighter future for their children. This story revolves around an overseas education program, initially heralded for providing Kenyan students with opportunities in countries like Canada and Finland. However, the tides have turned dramatically, as testimonies now point to the program as a suspected scam involving a staggering $8.5 million.

Numerous witnesses have stepped forward, asserting that Governor Bii lent his support to the initiative shortly after taking office. But their accounts also reveal a troubling pattern—requesting further payments from parents, only to eventually distance himself from the program when faced with mounting scrutiny.

Investigations have highlighted the financial toll this situation has taken on families. Parents collectively contributed an astonishing KSh 1.1 billion, which was earmarked for tuition, visa, and insurance costs. All of this was in the name of securing educational opportunities for their children—a noble ambition turned nightmarish for many.

Payments varied dramatically, with individual contributions stretching from KSh 650,000 to an eye-watering KSh 3 million ($5,000 to $23,100). What drives a parent to invest such large sums? One cannot help but recall the sleepless nights spent wondering if their children would succeed in this foreign land, a hope dashed by betrayal.

Key Witnesses Present Evidence

As reported by Daily Nation, one critical witness, Mitchelle Jeptanui, recounted a meeting convened by Governor Bii in June 2023. “He assured us that the trip would be approved soon, but time slipped away,” she told Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege, capturing the mounting anxiety of parents who were left in limbo.

“Parents were anxious because their children had received admission letters to universities in Finland and Canada but had yet to travel,” Jeptanui lamented. Her words encapsulate the pain of anticipation mixed with dread—a precarious balancing act for any concerned parent.

Disturbingly, Jeptanui also claimed that the Governor requested additional sums ranging from KSh 200,000 to KSh 300,000 ($1,540 to $2,310) under the pretense of securing accommodation, even though no students had made it abroad. In the aftermath, parents sought answers, only to find the Governor deflecting responsibility to his predecessor, now Senator Jackson Mandago.

“When we pressed him for answers, he called another meeting and invited Senator Mandago,” Jeptanui recounted. “He claimed he didn’t fully understand the program and turned to the Senator to explain what had happened to our money.” A disheartening pivot that only deepened parents’ frustrations.

Jeptanui detailed her own payments—KSh 10,000 ($77) for registration, KSh 650,000 ($5,000) for tuition, and additional sums for visas and accommodation—all made with the hope of a better future for her child. Yet, her faith remains unreturned, as the promise of a refund from Senator Mandago hangs in the air like a bitter memory.

Her testimony was echoed by others, including Irene Chepchirchir and Joseph Kiplimo, both of whom paid over KSh 3 million ($23,100). Kiplimo’s experience is particularly poignant; he paid an additional KSh 20,000 ($150) in a desperate bid to fast-track his son’s admission to Laurea University in Finland—a gamble that turned out to be a misstep.

Another poignant observation came from Benjamin Kibet, who recounted borrowing KSh 650,000 ($5,000) to enroll his son at Stenberg College in Canada—only to find himself still waiting, empty-handed. “My son never traveled. I am still hoping either for a refund or support for him to go,” his voice tinged with heartbreak, echoed through the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Senator Mandago and former county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei are facing serious criminal charges for the alleged misappropriation of funds that were intended for the scholarship initiative. In a world where trust is paramount, what happens when that trust is shattered?

As the trial progresses, 90 out of the 202 prosecution witnesses have already testified, bringing to light the heartbreaking stories of broken promises. Asenath Okello recounted her experience, noting payments made of KSh 650,000 in November 2022 and KSh 122,000 in January 2023. “Mandago had promised to sell his personal land to secure refunds,” she recalled, adding another layer of complexity to the already tangled web of deceit.

“The Senator told us he would sell his land if necessary,” she mentioned, underscoring a relentless quest for justice amid widespread disappointment. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence, Governor Bii continues to deny any involvement, even as testimonies contradict his claims.

As public outcry grows louder, the urgency for accountability becomes increasingly critical. With dreams shattered and futures uncertain, the ongoing court proceedings carry an essential weight. Unfortunately, it appears that the path to resolution may be riddled with obstacles, leaving many families still hoping for clarity and restitution.

As the narrative unfolds, one must ponder: what can be done to protect families from such predatory schemes in the future? What safeguards are in place to ensure that those in power can be held accountable?

The story will continue to evolve, and one can only hope for a resolution that restores faith in not just systems but in the very notion of community.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring