Kenyan Nursing Student in Finland Takes His Own Life

A Kenyan student in Finland committed suicide in his hostel room under unclear circumstances.

Rodgers Kipruto Kosgei, who hailed from Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, was studying nursing at Laurea University's Tikkurila Campus.

His body was found hanging in his room on Tuesday days after his family reported him missing, according to reports.

His parents tried calling him but there was no response. They later contacted the hostel management who together with the police discovered Kipruto's lifeless body inside his room.

The deceased was among the 202 students who left the country in September 2022 to study in Finnish universities through the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Program. 

Confirming his death on Wednesday, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii termed Kipruto’s death as a “great loss to his family, friends, the Chirchir community, and the nursing profession.”

“His ambition and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in society are testaments to his character,” Bii said in a statement. “I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Before heading to Finland for nursing studies, Kipruto worked at Mediheal Hospital in Nakuru.

In March, three Finnish universities namely Laurea University, Jyvaskylla University and Tampere University threatened to discontinue and deport Kenyan students over fee arrears. This was after the county government failed to remit their fees after funds meant for the program were allegedly embezzled by senior county officials.

Laurea University, where Kipruto studied, had put on hold the studies for 67 Kenyan students pursuing nursing and physiotherapy until the tuition fees for the second semester are paid.

 “No teaching is arranged for these groups while they are on hold. The second semester for these groups will start after Laurea has received the tuition fees,” the university stated in its notice.

It warned that information about the terminated right to study would automatically flow to the Finnish Immigration Service through electronic systems, which will be followed by canceling the residence permits, before the deportation of the affected students.

The scholarship scandal is under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and three county officers are on suspension.