Finland Scam: How Mandago’s Team Exploited Secrecy to Collect Millions from Parents
A scandal that was once a glimmer of hope for Kenyan families seeking better education for their children abroad has turned into a nightmare. What was pitched as a life-changing overseas study program has now been unmasked as a fraudulent scheme involving high-level officials, including former Uasin Gishu Governor and current Senator, Jackson Mandago.
The Dream That Turned into a Scam
In 2021, the Uasin Gishu County Government launched a student airlift program, promising to send hundreds of students to study in Finland and Canada. Parents were told that this was a county-sponsored initiative with full scholarships and formal agreements with international institutions. Encouraged by the prospect of world-class education and a brighter future, many families dug deep into their savings, sold land, and even took loans to raise the required fees.
Over Ksh 1.1 billion was collected from more than 200 families between 2021 and 2022. The program’s promise? Tuition, visas, and travel to Finnish and Canadian universities. The reality? Students stranded, parents in debt, and millions of shillings unaccounted for.
The Faces Behind the Fraud
Investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have revealed a trail of financial misappropriation and deceit. Top county officials allegedly withdrew massive sums of money for personal use.
- Meshack Rono, one of the key figures in the program, handled over Ksh 15.7 million through suspicious transactions.
- Joshua Kipkemboi Lelei withdrew over Ksh 2 million through cheques and bank transfers.
- Arrest warrants were issued in August 2023 for Senator Mandago, Joseph Kipkemboi Maritim, Meshack Rono, and Joshua Lelei after they failed to appear in court to answer to charges including conspiracy to steal, abuse of office, and forgery.
Mandago, who was central to launching the program, is accused of misrepresenting it as an official county initiative and entering into agreements with foreign institutions without formal county or national government approval.
Broken Families, Broken Promises
The real victims of this scandal are the students and their families. Many of the students were left in limbo, unable to travel due to missing documents or unpaid tuition fees. Others who had already arrived in Finland faced difficulties such as lack of accommodation or being dropped by institutions due to non-payment.
Parents shared heartbreaking stories of having sold their homes and businesses, only to discover the program was not what it was claimed to be. Some are still waiting for answers, and many have demanded full refunds of the millions they entrusted to the county.
A Push for Accountability
In the face of growing public pressure, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Mandago agreed to refund over Ksh 300 million to affected parents. The EACC has launched further investigations, with fresh charges now being prepared against at least eight suspects, linked to the misappropriation of Ksh 50 million in the program.
Officials have recovered key documents and are collaborating with foreign institutions in Finland and Canada to gather more evidence. More than 200 witnesses are expected to testify against the accused, signaling that the scandal is far from over.
A Wake-Up Call
This scandal is a harsh reminder of the consequences of weak oversight and the exploitation of public trust. It underscores the urgent need for transparency in government-led programs, especially those that touch on the futures of young Kenyans.
As the case continues to unfold, Kenyans are watching closely, hoping for justice—not just for the families affected, but for the integrity of public service in the country.
