New EACC Findings Rock Finland-Canada Scholarship Dispute
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Sh837 million by Uasin Gishu County Government officials.
The funds were collected from parents to support postsecondary education in Finland and Canada during the fiscal year 2021-2022.
EACC has determined that the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund Account was established in May 2021, with Sh957,167,143 deposited by parents by December 2022.
“A total of Sh257,326,740 was debited from the Uasin Gishu Overseas Account to beneficiaries indicated as agents and/or intermediaries for onward transmission to universities in Finland and Canada,” the commission said in a Tuesday status update on the case.
According to the commission, some parents allegedly failed to make payments, necessitating the use of funds for children who had not yet traveled to pay second-semester fees for those already enrolled in overseas universities.
Currently, 233 pupils are enrolled in Finland and 45 in Canada, according to the report.
“The investigation will disclose any possible embezzlement that occurred during the process.
EACC stated that the investigation also concentrates on the Sh57,538,429 that was withdrawn locally by county officials designated to manage the Trust Fund Account.
The Commission stated that it is aware of the overwhelming public interest in the issue, has prioritized it, and will take legal action as required.
“All culpable parties will be held accountable,” EACC stated and urged the Uasin Gishu County Government to take urgent administrative interventions, where necessary, to address some of the complaints raised by parents that may not fall under the scope of the corruption or criminal investigations.
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On Tuesday, the commission questioned the former governor of Uasin Gishu, Jackson Mandago, regarding the scandal. He is currently serving as the county’s senator.
Due to his position as county administrator during the conception and implementation of the Overseas Trust Fund, he was requested to provide a statement to assist with the investigation.
Mandago also oversaw the Department of Youth and Gender and Sports Affairs, where the program was housed, and he is alleged to have played a crucial role in the program’s ratification.
The senator blamed politics for the incident, explaining that he delegated all duties and entrusted his successor Jonathan Bii with responsibility for the country’s performance.
“The program is ethical and transparent. All of this is politics to me,” he said, adding that he will ensure justice for those who are dissatisfied.
“I am responsible for all my commission and omission errors. I cannot flee from a program I created,” he stated.
Tuesday, protests were conducted in Eldoret town by parents seeking a cash refund.
The more than 300 parents were escorted by police but were prevented from entering the office of Governor Bii. Later, they provided statements to the DCI in Eldoret.
New EACC Findings Rock Finland-Canada Scholarship Dispute
