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Business Insider
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
$8.5m Kenya education scam: Top govt official linked to failed Canada, Finland program
The Uasin Gishu overseas education program, once hailed as a pathway for Kenyan students to study in Canada and Finland, has imploded into a courtroom scandal involving alleged misappropriation of over KSh 1.1 billion ($8.5 million USD) with potentially hundreds of millions more in unaccounted funds. The Uasin Gishu overseas education program in Kenya is under investigation for alleged misappropriation of over KSh 1.1 billion intended for scholarships. Governor Jonathan Bii has been implicated in court, accused of supporting the program, requesting additional payments, and later distancing himself. Families paid significant sums, hoping for their children's scholarships, yet no students were sent to Canada or Finland as promised. In a Nakuru court, testimonies have directly implicated Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii in the $8.5 million overseas education program, once praised for offering Kenyan students opportunities in Canada and Finland and now being exposed as a suspected scam. Multiple witnesses claim that he supported the program after taking office, requested additional payments from parents, and later distanced himself from the scheme. Investigations and court proceedings have revealed that parents paid a staggering KSh 1.1 billion, covering tuition, visa and insurance costs, and accommodation deposits, in a bid to secure a better future for their children. Individual payments ranged from KSh 650,000 to over KSh 1.2 million ($5,000-$9,230), with some families paying as much as KSh 3 million ($23,100). Key witnesses present evidences Daily Nation reported that one of the key witnesses, Mitchelle Jeptanui, told Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege that in June 2023, Governor Bii convened a meeting with parents and assured them that the trip will be approved soon. " Parents were anxious because their children had received admission letters to universities in Finland and Canada but had yet to travel," Jeptanui said. She claimed that the Governor asked parents to make an additional KSh200,000 to KSh300,000 ($1,540 to $2,310), for accommodation fees, yet no students were sent abroad. Two months after the meeting, parents demanded answers, but the Governor allegedly redirected responsibility to his predecessor, now Senator Jackson Mandago. ' Governor Bii called another meeting and invited Senator Mandago. He told us he didn't fully understand the programme and asked the Senator to explain what had happened to our money,' Jeptanui added. Jeptanui's testimony detailed her own payments, which included KSh 10,000 ($77) for registration, KSh 650,000 ($5,000) for tuition, KSh 122,000 ($940) for visa and medicals, and KSh 300,000 ($2,310) for accommodation, all made between July 2022 and 2023. She added that Senator Mandago's promise of refund remains unfulfilled to date. Her account was followed by other witnesses, including Irene Chepchirchir and Joseph Kiplimo, who both testified that they had paid over KSh3 million ($23,100). Kiplimo said he paid an extra fee of KSh20,000 ($150), hoping to fast-track his son's admission to Laurea University in Finland. Benjamin Kibet, another parent, testified that he borrowed KSh650,000 ($5,000) to send his son to Stenberg College in Canada after learning about the programme from Senator Mandago and Governor Bii. ' My son never travelled. I am still hoping either for a refund or support for him to go,' he said. Senator Mandago, alongside former county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, will face criminal charges for allegedly misappropriating over KSh 1.1 billion intended for the scholarship initiative. To date, 90 out of 202 prosecution witnesses have testified in the ongoing trial. Another witness, Asenath Okello said she paid KSh650,000 in November 2022 and KSh122,000 in January 2023 after receiving an admission offer. In light of the widespread disappointment, she added that Mandago and Bii met with affected families, during which Mandago promised to sell his personal land to secure refunds. " The Senator told us he would sell his land if necessary," she said. Despite mounting evidence that payments were made during his tenure, Governor Bii maintained his denial of any involvement, even after 7 of 8 witnesses testified otherwise. He claimed, however, that the program had been conceived and implemented solely by the previous administration. As public pressure continues to mount for accountability and justice for the families whose dreams have been shattered, the court proceedings will continue next week.
Ya Biladi
26-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Kenya's Foreign Minister visits Morocco
Morocco and Kenya are poised to deepen their bilateral ties. Since Sunday, Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has been on a three-day official visit to the kingdom, according to a statement from Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Monday, he will hold talks in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. This visit will be marked by the official opening of Kenya's embassy in Morocco. On Sunday, May 25, Mudavadi met with Ambassador Jessica Gakinya. «Our discussions focused on narrowing the existing trade imbalance by enhancing exports of Kenyan tea and coffee to Morocco. While our imports, mainly fertilizers and other key commodities stand at KSh 12 billion, our exports remain significantly lower at just KSh 500 million. We explored practical strategies to boost the volume and diversity of Kenyan exports to foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship», the minister wrote on X. «We also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in other strategic sectors, ahead of the anticipated signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday», he added. Kenya still recognizes the self-proclaimed «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)». Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, remains a key ally of the Polisario Front in Nairobi. He played a crucial role in President Ruto's reversal of his September 14, 2022, statement—which had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR»—issued on the very day of Ruto's inauguration. For over a decade, Morocco has been working to strengthen political and economic ties with African countries that continue to recognize the «SADR», including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Angola, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Ghana was also part of this group until it suspended ties with the Polisario on January 7. In 2027, Kenyans will head to the polls to elect a new president. The current president, William Ruto, won the 2022 election thanks in part to his alliance with Moses Wetangula's party.
Business Insider
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 5 products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year
While exports generate foreign cash, imports allow the country's access to commodities, services, and technology that it may not produce effectively or in sufficient numbers. Kenya's overall national expenditure was expected to rise by 12% to KSh 3,605.20 billion in the fiscal year 2024–2025. Kenya depends on imports for a wide range of essentials that are either not produced locally or supplied in small amounts. These include petroleum goods, equipment, medications, automobiles, and some foods. Access to these items is crucial for everyday living and economic activities throughout the country. Kenya imports the raw materials, industrial equipment, and intermediate items required for local industry. Construction, industry, and agriculture rely on imported steel, fertilizers, machinery, and electrical components. These imports help industries function more effectively, innovate, and expand output to fulfill domestic and export demand. According to the Economic Survey report by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics, imports in Kenya increased by 3.6% to KSh2,706.3 billion. The report also shows that exports in the East African country grew by 10.4% to KSh1,112.3 billion, showing a healthy balance between imports and exports. However, during the period under review, Kenya's GDP growth decreased to 4.7% from a revised rise of 5.7%. 'Nominal GDP: Rose to KSh 16,224.5 billion in 2024 from KSh 15,033.6 billion in 2023,' the report states. With that said, here are the products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year as per the Economic Survey report. Top 5 products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year Rank Country Imports in 2024 (KSh in Billions) 1. Petroleum Products KSh552.4 billion 2. Industrial Machinery KSh312.9 billion 3. Animal/ Veg. Fats & Oils KSh139.2 billion 4. Plastic Articles KSh113.4 billion 5. Iron & Steel KSh101.8 billion
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 5 products Kenya sold the most in its last fiscal year
In the 2024–2025 financial year, Kenya's total national government spending was projected to increase by 12% to KSh 3,605.20 billion. In light of this Kenyan export soared to KSh1,112.3 billion. Business Insider Africa presents the top products Kenya exported the most in its last fiscal year. This list is courtesy of the Economic Survey report by KNBS. Kenya's Horticulture exports generated the most revenue. In the same fiscal year, recurrent expenditures are projected to make up 86.1% of total national expenditures. This data is according to the Economic Survey report by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics, which also showed that the GDP growth rate in the East African Community was 4.7%, revised from 5.4%. However, for Kenya specifically, GDP growth decreased to 4.7% from a revised rise of 5.7%. 'Nominal GDP: Rose to KSh 16,224.5 billion in 2024 from KSh 15,033.6 billion in 2023,' the report states. In light of these economic indices, Kenya's exports grew in the period under review, compared to the previous fiscal year. 'Exports grew by 10.4% to KSh1,112.3 billion,' the report reveals. As highlighted by the report, Kenya's exports are critical to driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, producing foreign money, and expanding regional and global trade relationships. As a critical component of the country's economy, the export industry not only increases national income but also improves the country's integration into the global market. Tea, coffee, cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits are quite popular in overseas markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The foreign money gained from these exports helps to meet the country's import demands, stabilize the Kenyan shilling, and manage the balance of payments. Agricultural exports, in particular, employ a significant section of Kenya's workforce. Horticulture and floriculture create thousands of jobs in farming, packing, shipping, and distribution. Increased demand for Kenyan products overseas encourages local industries to develop, hire more people, and reduce unemployment. With that said, here are the products Kenya exported the most in its last fiscal year. Top 5 products Kenya sold the most in its last fiscal year Rank Country Exports in 2024 (KSh in Billions) 1. Horiculture KSh203.6 billion 2. Tea KSh189.1 billion 3. Apparel & Clothing KSh56.8 billion 4. Coffee (unroasted) KSh38.4 billion 5. Animal & Veg Oils KSh30.3 billion
Business Insider
08-05-2025
- Business Insider
Crime and child abuse cases in Kenya dropped in a year Kenyans reported less crime
According to a recent survey, Kenyans are reporting less crime to the police, highlighting a significant disconnect between the people and the law. Kenyans reported less crime in 2024 to the police than it did the year before. Kenya experienced a 3.5% drop in reported crimes, reaching 101,200 cases, and a 10.8% decrease in child protection cases. Law enforcement recovered ammunition, seized drugs, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission traced assets worth KSh 16 billion. Kenya had a significant drop in key crime and justice indices in 2024, indicating a year of modest progress in law enforcement, child protection, and the judiciary. According to current data, as seen in the Economic Survey by the country's national bureau of statistics (KNBS), the overall number of offenses recorded by police has reduced by 3.5%, to 101,200. This decrease shows a gradual change toward better public safety and more effective crime prevention measures. Additionally, the Department of Children Services also recorded a remarkable 10.8% decrease in child protection cases, which decreased to 169,300 this year. This decrease, however, is attributable to increased public awareness, community initiatives, and stronger family support networks throughout the country. 'The total number of child protection cases reported to the Department of Children Services declined by 10.8 per cent to 169.3 thousand in 2024,' the report states. 'Police recovered 4,548 rounds of ammunition and seized 26.9 tonnes of dangerous drugs during the review period. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission traced assets worth KSh 16.0 billion, out of which assets worth KSh 2.9 billion were recovered during the review period,' it adds. The report also highlighted the behaviour of the country's prison system, noting that the police apprehended 534 youngsters and 1,069 foreign nationals in the year under review. Meanwhile, the number of offenders receiving probation terms fell by 27.4% to 5,912, indicating that non-custodial punishment is being used less or that criminal trends and case results have shifted. A more detailed look into the survey showed that personnel ratios in the justice system have varied results. The police-to-civilian ratio fell from 1:479 to 1:512, indicating an increased burden for cops. In contrast, the jail officer-to-inmate ratio improved from 1:8 to 1:7, while the probation officer-to-offender ratio increased from 1:12 to 1:10. These changes may help the rehabilitation and management of criminals, particularly those serving non-custodial sentences. Furthermore, in 2024, the State Department for Refugee Services had registered 823.9 thousand refugees and asylum seekers, of whom 50.5% were from Dadaab Camp. As of June 2024, 602.1 thousand PWDs were registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
