Equity Group Foundation selects 750 top KCSE scholars for prestigious leadership programs
Equity Group Foundation has announced the selection of 750 top-performing students to join its renowned Equity Leaders Program (ELP). The scholars, who excelled in the 2024 KCSE exams, will undertake a six-month pre-university paid internship at Equity Bank branches across the country as they prepare for university later this year.
The latest cohort includes 350 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholars who scored Grade A and A-, 167 top-performing sub-county students with Grade A (Plain), and 233 national scholars who achieved a minimum of 84 points in their KCSE exams.
During the commissioning ceremony, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi lauded the students for their academic excellence and resilience, stating that the program aims to nurture leadership skills and prepare them for professional success.
“You are here today because you have demonstrated consistent excellence and determination in your academic journey. This program is not just about work experience; it is about empowering you to become change-makers in your communities and beyond,” said Dr. Mwangi.
The selected scholars underwent a two-week leadership induction, interacting with key industry leaders, including Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, who emphasized the importance of trust, integrity, and professionalism in leadership.
Equity Group Foundation selects 750 top KCSE scholars for prestigious leadership programs
The internship program provides scholars with a monthly stipend, with a portion saved to support their transition to university. They also receive mentorship from experienced professionals, helping them shape their career paths.
Among the selected scholars is Dieume Baraka, a former Starehe Boys Centre student who excelled despite growing up in refugee camps.
“This program is a tremendous opportunity that will equip me with leadership skills to create a more peaceful and united world,” he said.
Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former Parklands Arya Girls student, expressed gratitude for the mentorship, saying she looks forward to learning from experienced colleagues at Equity Bank.
“The interactions with the Bank’s leadership have been incredible, and I am excited for the internship to further grow as an individual,” she shared.
Similarly, Elema Badaqe Duba, from Makueni Boys High School, hopes to use this opportunity to lift his Marsabit-based family out of poverty.
“Despite immense challenges, I remained determined to excel. This program is a dream come true,” he stated.
Since its inception, the Equity Leaders Program has supported 29,515 scholars in local and global universities. The new cohort brings the total number of pre-university interns to 9,700.
Additionally, the program has facilitated 970 scholars in securing fully funded scholarships in 233 universities across 37 countries, including 204 in Ivy League institutions. The global scholars undergo intensive college counseling, helping them secure places in top-tier institutions.
Equity’s investment in education also extends to healthcare, with ELP alumni establishing 132 Equity Afya medical centers across all 47 counties of Kenya, with five additional units in DRC in Program
The Equity Leaders Program continues to provide life-changing opportunities for Kenya’s brightest students, breaking geographical barriers and preparing them for leadership roles in Africa and beyond.