Parents and Students Demand Refunds from Botched Uasin Gishu Overseas Study Program

Parents and students affected by the failed Uasin Gishu County overseas study program have renewed their demands for refunds, threatening to return to the streets if their grievances are not addressed. This comes after a prolonged wait for reimbursement of the millions of shillings paid for an overseas education program that was supposed to send students to Finland and Canada.

More than 300 affected parents gathered in Eldoret on Monday, expressing frustration over being abandoned by both national and county government leaders. Led by Daniel Birgen and Edward Kiptek, the parents reiterated their united stance and vowed to continue pressing for their refunds, which amount to over Sh850 million.

“We have been patient enough but our leaders both from the national and county governments have abandoned us. We are now back in full swing to demand our rights,” Kiptek stated. He also dispelled rumors that parents and students had already been refunded, clarifying that no such payments had been received and no students had been sent abroad.

Kiptek noted that while some parents had opted to file claims in the Eldoret small claims court, the group remains united in their demands. “We want to unequivocally dispel such rumors. None of us has been refunded and none of our children has been taken out for their studies,” he said.

Birgen added that those spreading rumors of refunds should come forward with evidence. “More than 348 parents have not been paid back their money. We are wondering who has been refunded because our lives are still the same and our children are home,” he said.

The group also called on President William Ruto to fulfill his promise to assist them. Last year, the parents had disputed statements from the County leadership that claimed Sh68 million had been refunded to 121 parents who opted out of the program.

Kelvin Bett, one of the students who was supposed to travel to Finland, voiced concerns about the impact on their education. “Our education is at stake,” he said, reflecting the urgency of the situation for the affected families.

As the parents and students prepare for further action, their demand for justice and refunds remains strong, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face due to the failed overseas education program.