Nairobi, Kenya| Equity Group Foundation has announced the selection of 750 top-performing students from the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination into its prestigious Equity Leadership Program (ELP).
The selected scholars will participate in a six-month pre-university paid internship at Equity Bank branches across the country before joining university later this year.
This year’s cohort comprises:
- 350 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholars who scored Grade A and A-,
- 167 top-performing students from each sub-county who attained Grade A (Plain), and
- 233 top national scholars who achieved a minimum of 84 points (A Plain) in their final exams.
The ELP aims to equip top-performing students with leadership, work experience, and mentorship opportunities to prepare them for higher education and future careers.
Empowering Future Leaders
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, lauded the scholars for their academic excellence and resilience.
“You are here today because you have demonstrated consistent excellence and determination in your academic journey.” Dr. Mwangi said.
“This program is not just about work experience; it’s about nurturing leadership, empowering you to become change-makers, and equipping you with the tools to succeed.” He emphasized.
“You represent the future of Africa, and we are excited to walk with you on your journey to greatness.” Dr. Mwangi assured the scholars.
The commissioning ceremony followed an intensive two-week induction program, where scholars engaged with leaders from various industries, including Equity Bank’s senior management.
Discussions covered leadership, personal development, and community transformation, ensuring a holistic approach to their learning and growth.
During the induction, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership:
“As future leaders, it is crucial that you are known for your principles. At Equity, we uphold values such as professionalism, integrity, creativity, teamwork, and strong corporate governance.” Nyabanda quipped.
“We challenge you to embody these values in your work and everyday life as you step into roles that will shape the future.” He reiterated.
Internship and Mentorship: Preparing Scholars for the Future
The six-month paid internship will offer scholars firsthand experience in the banking and financial sector.
Each intern will receive a monthly stipend, with a portion set aside as savings, which will be released when they transition to university—helping to cultivate a culture of financial discipline and responsibility.
Beyond work experience, scholars will receive mentorship from accomplished global professionals, providing guidance on career paths, leadership, and personal development.
The program is designed to broaden their perspectives and help them make informed career and academic choices.
Transformational Journeys: Scholars Share Their Stories
For many of the selected scholars, the Equity Leadership Program represents an opportunity to break barriers and build a brighter future.
Dieume Baraka, a former Starehe Boys Centre student who scored an A (Plain) and is an alumnus of the Elimu Scholarship Program, shared his inspiring story:
“Coming from a background of unimaginable hardship, including displacement and living in refugee camps, I have always believed that education is the key to a brighter future. Being selected for ELP is a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to gaining leadership skills that will help me create a more peaceful and united world.”
Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former Parklands Arya Girls Secondary School student who scored an A- (Minus), expressed her gratitude:
“The leadership mentorship sessions were incredibly insightful, especially the interactions with Equity Bank’s leadership and mentors. I am looking forward to the internship, learning from experienced professionals, and preparing for university.”
Elema Badaqe Duba, a Wings to Fly alumnus and former Makueni Boys High School student, also scored an A- (Minus). He reflected on his journey:
“Growing up in Marsabit as the eldest of seven, I faced immense challenges. Despite hardships, my dream has always been to lift my family out of poverty through education. The ELP is a dream come true, and I am eager to use this opportunity to gain skills that will help me transform my community.”
Expanding Access to Global Education and Leadership Training
Since its inception, the Equity Leadership Program has supported 29,515 scholars in their educational and professional journeys.
With the addition of this new cohort, the total number of scholars who have benefited from the program’s six-month pre-university internship now stands at 9,700.
The program also offers a College Counselling initiative, which has helped 970 scholars secure fully funded scholarships at top universities across 37 countries and six continents.
Among them, 204 scholars have attended Ivy League institutions, demonstrating the program’s success in creating globally competitive talent.
The Global Scholars Program further prepares students through:
- A two-month College Counselling program covering university selection, exam preparation, and essay writing.
- A one-week bootcamp to equip scholars with the skills needed to thrive in international university settings.
This initiative breaks geographical barriers, offering African scholars access to world-class education, leadership training, and diverse learning environments, ensuring they are prepared for global challenges.
Impact Beyond Education: Driving Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Access
Beyond academic achievements, ELP alumni have actively contributed to entrepreneurship and healthcare.
They have established 132 Equity Afya medical centers across all 47 counties of Kenya, with five additional units opened in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2024.
These centers provide affordable, high-quality healthcare, demonstrating how ELP graduates are giving back to society by addressing key social and economic challenges.
Equity Group Foundation’s Legacy of Transformation
Through initiatives like the Equity Leadership Program, Equity Group Foundation continues to empower Kenya’s brightest minds, preparing them for leadership roles in academia, business, governance, and social impact.
By nurturing talent, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for global education, Equity is shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers—ensuring a brighter future for Kenya and Africa.
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