By Robert Mutasi 
Parents and students affected by the controversial Uasin Gishu overseas education programme have taken to the streets of Eldoret, demanding the refund of millions of shillings they contributed towards scholarships to Finland and Canada.
The demonstrators marched through parts of Eldoret City on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, disrupting traffic and temporarily affecting business activities as they called for action over the collapsed programme.
The protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the return of their money.
“We are demanding our rights. We want our rights. We want back our money,” the demonstrators shouted as they moved through the city streets.
Some protesters directed their appeal to President William Ruto, saying they had waited for years for government intervention.
One placard carried a message reminding the President of an earlier promise to assist the affected families, stating that it had been three years since the commitment was made.
Other demonstrators appealed to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi to intervene and mobilise other political leaders to help them recover their money.
The protests came five days after the High Court in Nakuru acquitted Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused in a case involving alleged misappropriation of funds linked to the overseas education programme.
In a ruling delivered on July 23, the court found that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against Mandago and the other accused persons. The decision effectively cleared them of the charges related to the alleged loss of funds meant to support students studying in Finland and Canada.
The overseas education programme was launched during Mandago’s tenure as Uasin Gishu governor. Parents were required to contribute up to Ksh1 million towards the cost of sending their children abroad for further education.
The programme later became embroiled in controversy after some students failed to travel as planned, while others who reached Finland reportedly faced difficulties after tuition and accommodation payments were not made.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigated the programme and established that parents had contributed approximately Ksh957 million.
According to the investigations, about Ksh257 million was spent on tuition and other expenses for students. Questions were subsequently raised over the whereabouts and use of the remaining funds.
For affected families, the High Court decision has added to frustrations over the unresolved financial losses. The protesters are now demanding that authorities find a way to compensate them despite the acquittal of the accused persons.
Tuesday’s demonstration also followed an apology issued on Monday by Kalenjin elders and church leaders in Uasin Gishu to families affected by the programme.
The elders and religious leaders pledged to help find a solution to the long-running dispute within two months.
However, the affected parents and students have maintained that they will continue pushing for refunds and accountability until their concerns are addressed.
The demonstrations highlight the continuing pressure on county and national leaders to resolve the financial and social consequences of the overseas education programme, which has left many families waiting for answers and recovery of their contributions.