West Pokot police investigating alleged scholarship scam

West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi. [Ishreel Shanzu, Standard]

Police in West Pokot have launched investigations into a possible scheme defrauding unsuspecting students with offers for scholarships.

This is after several parents raised concerns that had been left in financial distress after they paid money to an organization that promised to secure them government scholarships.

The alleged scam, orchestrated by a group operating under the name Pokot Heritage Foundation, reportedly charged the students Sh2,500, promising fully-funded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships.

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However, the scholarships failed to materialise leaving the students majority of them from West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in financial distress.

According to reports, the foundation instructed students to apply for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds and other government financial aid, rather than providing the promised scholarships.

West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi condemned the scheme, terming it a betrayal of the community’s trust.

“This exploitation is deeply unethical and harmful to the future of our young people,” said Abdullahi adding, “We are conducting thorough investigations to bring those involved to justice.”

He said chiefs and deputy commissioners have been directed to monitor and report any suspicious activities.

Joan Chemutai, a student from West Pokot County said she sold her goat to raise the Sh2,500 fee with hopes that it would secure her education.

“When I reported to Sirisia Technical Training Institute, I was told the money was not in the school’s account. I felt betrayed,” she said.

Chemutai said about 30 other students who joined Sirisia TVET during the May 2024 intake faced the same fate.

“They promised us free education, but it was all lies. Now I can’t afford my fees or expenses and have had to transfer to another institution,” she said.

Another victim, Dorcas Chepkiach, said she was similarly defrauded when she joined Kisiwa Technical Training Institute.

“I paid Sh2,500 for registration and was told the foundation would cover everything. I even paid for a student ID card, only to find out it was all a scam,” Chirpkiach lamented.

Principals of affected TVET institutions distanced themselves from the foundation.

Nyamu Elishah, principal of Shamberere TVET said, “Our institution has no association with Pokot Heritage Foundation. If any student was conned, they should file an official complaint with my office for follow-up.”

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This has prompted education stakeholders to call on the government to intensify public awareness about legitimate scholarship opportunities to protect vulnerable students.

Rebecca Kide, West Pokot County Executive Member for Education admitted that the foundation had reached out to her office and informed her that they were sponsoring students for TVET courses.

“The foundation informed me they were sponsoring students and claimed to have signed MOUs with principals. They even have an office at Chepareria where individuals can verify their claims. However, I urge parents and students to remain cautious,” she said.

But the foundation’s director Kevina Loyatum defended the organisation insisting they were negotiating with partners to secure scholarships.

“We guide students to apply for government scholarships, and we negotiate on their behalf for tuition fees,” said Loyatum.

The director said the Sh2,500 collected from students was meant to facilitate the foundation’s activities, including transport and administrative costs.

“We’ve successfully enrolled 26,771 students in different institutions across the country,” she claimed.