Elders, religious leaders and members of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly are set to join efforts to resolve the long-running Finland scholarships saga following the acquittal of former Governor Jackson Mandago and other accused persons.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said the county respects the recent court decision but noted that concerns raised by parents who lost money through the overseas education programme remain unresolved.
The programme attracted hundreds of parents from Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties, many of whom contributed money in anticipation of securing educational opportunities for their children in Finland and Canada. However, some students failed to travel as expected, leading to public outcry, investigations and a criminal case.
Governor Bii said key questions remain about the fate of affected students, responsibility for the funds contributed by parents and whether any refunds have been made.
He has directed the county legal team to explore the Alternative Justice System, which allows for mediation, reconciliation and community-based dispute resolution. Elders, clergy and members of the County Assembly have already been brought on board to support the process.
Bii maintained that the overseas education programme was not a county government initiative and that the parents' contributions were not deposited into county government accounts.
He said the mediation process seeks to promote accountability, transparency and justice while helping affected families find closure. He also urged all parties to participate in the process in good faith.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said the county respects the recent court decision but noted that concerns raised by parents who lost money through the overseas education programme remain unresolved.
The programme attracted hundreds of parents from Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties, many of whom contributed money in anticipation of securing educational opportunities for their children in Finland and Canada. However, some students failed to travel as expected, leading to public outcry, investigations and a criminal case.
Governor Bii said key questions remain about the fate of affected students, responsibility for the funds contributed by parents and whether any refunds have been made.
He has directed the county legal team to explore the Alternative Justice System, which allows for mediation, reconciliation and community-based dispute resolution. Elders, clergy and members of the County Assembly have already been brought on board to support the process.
Bii maintained that the overseas education programme was not a county government initiative and that the parents' contributions were not deposited into county government accounts.
He said the mediation process seeks to promote accountability, transparency and justice while helping affected families find closure. He also urged all parties to participate in the process in good faith.
