Kenyan Officials Face Legal Action Over Failed Study Abroad Scholarship Program

Nairobi, July 2025: A high-level investigation is underway in Kenya after a scholarship program meant to help students study abroad in Canada and Finland collapsed, leaving hundreds of families in financial distress. Senior government figures, including Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii and former governor Jackson Mandago, are facing legal scrutiny over their alleged involvement.

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The Uasin Gishu Finland/Canada Scholarship Program promised over 300 students a chance to pursue higher education in foreign universities. Parents paid large sums—between KSh 650,000 and KSh 3 million (about USD $5,000–$23,000) to cover tuition, visa fees, and accommodation. However, no student ever left the country, and the program has since been exposed as fraudulent.

Governor Jonathan Bii, a member of Kenya’s ruling coalition, is accused of continuing to collect money for the program even after taking office. Witnesses have told investigators that Bii supported the scheme during campaigns and then tried to shift blame to his predecessor once problems surfaced. Jackson Mandago, who launched the initiative during his term, is also under investigation, along with other former county officials. Criminal charges are expected.

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In a related case, Dr. Julius Ouma, a senior official at the Ministry of Education, has been charged with embezzling more than KSh 250 million intended for scholarships. Authorities say funds were distributed to politically connected individuals and fake beneficiaries, bypassing deserving students.

The scandal has caused national outrage, especially among Kenya’s growing middle class. Many parents see international education as a way to improve their children’s future, and this betrayal has led to calls for greater oversight of scholarship programs and better protection for students.

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Social Media Reactions and Vetting

Social media platforms have played a major role in bringing attention to the scandal. Angry parents and students have used Twitter (X) and Facebook to share their experiences, expose key players, and demand justice. Videos of community meetings and emotional testimonies have gone viral, putting pressure on officials to take action. Some users are also questioning how public funds were handled and calling for real-time transparency in future education initiatives.

This controversy could harm Kenya’s global reputation as a reliable source of international students. Foreign universities and education partners may become more cautious about collaborating with local programs unless stricter accountability systems are introduced.