The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched an investigation into allegations of fraud involving a scholarship program spearheaded by the government of Uasin Gishu County.
The multi-million shilling Uasin Gishu scholarship program, which has sparked an investigation, has devolved into blame games between Governor Jonathan Bii and his predecessor, current Senator Jackson Mandago.
To entice parents to support the program, the county allegedly promised to pay students’ school fees in exchange for parents covering other costs such as Visa processing.
Investigators were tasked with interviewing several officials from the county government and some students who were set to benefit from the controversial program launched by former Governor and current Uasin Gishu senator, Jackson Mandago.
“Sleuths from DCI Headquarters are expected in Uasin Gishu County between July 18-21, for a comprehensive probe,” read part of the statement by DCI.
All aggrieved victims were asked to present themselves at the DCI County Headquarters in Eldoret on July 18 for statement recording and other investigative procedures.
They were also required to bring all the relevant documents to assist the detectives with the investigations.
The scandal came to light in early 2023 when parents of students who had been awarded scholarships to study in Finland complained that their children risked being deported after accruing tuition fees. Some students were forced to return to Kenya after the situation worsened.
Parents accused the county government of shortchanging and duping them into paying large sums of money to unscrupulous agents.
In his response, Mandago refuted allegations leveled against him while asking Governor Bii to take responsibility as the leader of the county.
