The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has commenced investigations into the alleged embezzlement of Sh837 million by officials of the Uasin Gishu County Government.
The funds were collected from parents for the facilitation of Tertiary Education in Finland and Canada during the 2021-22 financial year.
EACC has established that the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund Account was opened in May 2021 and by December 2022, Sh957,167,143 had been credited to the account by parents.
"A total of Sh257,326,740 was debited from the Uasin Gishu Overseas Account to beneficiaries indicated as agents and/or intermediaries for onward transmission to Universities in Finland and Canada," the commission said in a status update on the case on Tuesday.
The commission said that it is alleged some parents defaulted in making payments, which necessitated the use of funds for children who had not yet travelled to pay second-semester fees for those already in overseas universities.
Currently, 233 students are studying in Finland and 45 in Canada, it said.
"The investigation will reveal any embezzlement that may have taken place in the process.
EACC said the probe further focuses on Sh57,538,429 withdrawn locally by the county officials appointed to manage the Trust Fund Account.
The Commission said it is aware of the overwhelming public interest in the matter and has prioritised the same and will take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
"All persons found culpable will be held to account," EACC said and urged the Uasin Gishu County Government to take urgent administrative interventions, where appropriate, to address some of the complaints raised by parents which may not be under the purview of the matters under corruption or criminal investigations.
On Tuesday, the commission grilled former Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago over the scandal. He's now the current senator in the county.
He was asked to record a statement to aid investigations considering his role as the county boss when the Overseas Trust Fund was conceptualised and operationalised.
Mandago also exercised oversight over the Department of Youth and Gender and Sports Affairs, where the programme was domiciled, and he is alleged to have played a key role in the adoption of the programme.
The senator blamed politics over the matter saying he handed over all the duties and entrusted the performance of the county to his successor Jonathan Bii whom he asked to take responsibility for the county.
"The programme is above board and clean. To me all these are politics,” he said adding that he will make sure those not satisfied get justice.
"I'm responsible for all my errors of commission and omission. I cannot run away from a programme I initiated," he said.
Parents seeking a refund of their cash on Tuesday held protests in Eldoret town.
The more than 300 parents were escorted by police but were blocked from accessing Governor Bii's office. They later recorded statements with the DCI in Eldoret.
