15 students stuck in Finland over fees in scholarship pact saga

Governor Stephen Sang (centre) when he announced a partnership program with five Universities in Finland. [Twitter, Stephen Sang]

According to the agreement signed by Governor Stephen Sang and the university in June, last year, the students were to benefit from a practical nursing programme.

However, Edusampo University CEO Terhi Toikkanen said the county government is yet to remit Sh13.4 million, which was to be paid in three instalments before the students proceed to Finland.

According to the agreement, the county guaranteed the scholarship of the students and it was responsible for payment of school fees and perhaps the students' families had no obligations in the document.

Edusampo issued additional documents to the county government that was supposed to involve the families as the third party.

"These documents were sent to the Nandi county government for signing on April 6, 2023, but have not been returned to us. All payments must come from the county to Edusampo due to Finnish legal requirements. No direct payments are allowed from students or sponsors," said Ms Toikkanen.

However, the county government has distanced itself from the scholarship circus. County Secretary Francis Sang claimed the county government only guaranteed for the students, with no other financial obligation.

"We have reached out to the parents and it has been a push and pull with no solution. The parents are supposed to pay school fees through the County Department of Education," he said.

He dismissed claims that the terms of agreement were not disclosed to the parents, saying the county through the concern department has engaged the students' financiers but nothing is forthcoming.

"The county has not reneged in its role and the students will not be sent back from Finland. What we implore the parents is that they should take up the responsibility to sustain the students for only a few months before they stand on their own," said Dr Sang.