128 Equity Leadership Programme (ELP) scholars have secured admission and scholarships to join 63 global universities located in 20 countries around the world.
Equity Group Foundation (EGF) Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi commissioned the airlift of the 128 scholars drawn from the Equity Leaders Programme in four countries—Kenya (87), Rwanda (33), Uganda (4), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (4).
The scholars have secured scholarships valued at Sh2,791,962,093 (USD 21,643,117) for the 4-year duration of their undergraduate studies, and each scholar would receive an airlift token of up to Sh200,000 to support their transition into the global universities.
With this year’s admissions, a total of 1098 students have successfully received admission to prestigious universities on fully funded scholarships, including 16 students who will be joining Ivy League Universities such as Columbia University (1), Harvard University (4), Princeton University (8) and University of Pennsylvania (3).
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Nairobi, Dr. Mwangi underscored the significance of the Equity Leaders Programme in shaping the continent’s future by encouraging the scholars to embrace their global academic journeys not only as a personal achievement but also as a mission to contribute to Africa’s transformation.
“The Equity Leaders Programme is both an investment in Africa’s future innovators and a catalyst for the continent’s transformation. As you embark on your global education, remember that your unique perspectives and skills are vital to unlocking Africa’s vast potential,” he told the scholars.
Further, Dr. Mwangi urged them to return with a spirit of innovation, a commitment to building a more prosperous and equitable Africa, and the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive economic growth, promote social progress, and build a brighter future for generations to come.
Expressing her sentiments during the occasion, Claire Nsaba, an ELP scholar from Uganda joining New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi to study Environmental Engineering, said, “I’ve always been ambitious and full of dreams. The Equity Leaders Programme gave me the mentorship and support I needed to turn those dreams into a clear path.”
After facing several rejections, Nsaba recounted how applying to NYU was her final try and she was elated that it worked.
Notably, she disclosed that she is passionate about providing clean water to underserved communities, especially in hard-to-reach places like her home district of Kisoro.
“I believe the technical training at NYU will equip me to design sustainable solutions and make a lasting impact,” said Nsaba, an alumna of Maryhill High School who scored 20 points in the 2023 Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) exams.
On the other hand, Presley Chomba, an ELP Scholar from Kenya joining Harvard University, USA, to study Renewable Energy Engineering, noted that the journey to realizing his dream has been filled with insurmountable risks, sacrifices, and challenges.
“I sat for the SAT four times, funding my preparation with over Sh60,000 of savings from my work as a teller at Equity Bank’s Westlands Supreme Branch. Through it all, the resilience and unity fostered within the Equity Leaders Programme kept me focused and determined,” voiced Chomba, an alumnus of Strathmore School who scored an A of 84 points in the 2023 K.C.S.E. exams.
He considered the opportunity as a collective good of all communities to inspire others and pave the way for future generations and not just a personal achievement.
In her remarks, Sharon Nyambura Wanjiku, a former Elimu scholar and an ELP Scholar joining Matej Bel University, Slovakia, to study Nursing, said, “When I received the Elimu Scholarship in 2019, I saw hope for my future and my family’s.”
She restated the difficult journey, describing how disheartening it was facing rejections from some universities and missing other opportunities.
“But through mentorship and support from Equity, I learned that rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it can be life redirecting you to something better. Applying for the Slovak Government Scholarship was my last attempt, and it worked,” said Wanjiku, an alumna of Kahuhia Girls High School who scored an A– of 78 points in the 2023 K.C.S.E. exams and will now pursue her passion for care and healing.
Similarly, as the scholars stepped into this new chapter, Dr. Mwangi advised them to see their time abroad as not only an academic pursuit but also a profound global opportunity for personal growth.
“Step out of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in new cultures, and challenge your perspectives. Let accountability and integrity be your compass, guiding your decisions and shaping your legacy. Remember, you are not just students; you are Equity Global Scholars, carrying with you the hopes of your families, communities, and country,” he dispensed counsel.
The Foundation’s chair also encouraged the scholars to use their skills, knowledge, and global exposure to become solution-oriented leaders, bridge cultures, and inspire others to dream bigger, claiming that their success will light the way for many who will follow.
The Equity Leadership Programme is an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation, established in 1998 to cultivate a new generation of future leaders; thus, by identifying and nurturing top-performing students nationally from within Equity Group’s subsidiaries, ELP has become a catalyst for transformative change.
Likewise, this rigorous programme is designed to equip young minds with the leadership skills, knowledge, and networks essential to drive sustainable economic growth and social progress across the continent.
Through a holistic approach that encompasses academic excellence, character development, and practical experience, ELP aims to foster a community of interconnected leaders poised to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.
By Michael Omondi
