Hundreds of students have been left financially drained and unable to continue with their studies after being conned by a fraudulent scholarships program.
TV47 has established that students were charged Ksh2,500 while being promised fully-funded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by the alleged scam, orchestrated by a group operating under the name Pokot Heritage Foundation.
The scheme has now left victims from West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in financial distress.
The alleged scam foundation instructed students to apply for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds and other government financial aid, rather than providing the promised scholarships.
In response to this, West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi condemned the scheme, terming it a betrayal of the community’s trust.
Principals of affected TVET institutions have distanced themselves from the foundation.
Nyamu Elishah, principal of Shamberere TVET, stated, “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.”
Education stakeholders are now calling 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.
“The foundation informed me they were sponsoring students and claimed to have signed MOUs with college principals,” she said.
“They even have an office at Chepareria, where individuals can verify their claims. However, I urge parents and students to remain cautious,” she added.
On the other hand, Kevina Loyatum, director of Pokot Heritage Foundation, defended the organization, 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.
She added that the Ksh2,500 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.
