More than 3,200 secondary school scholars from Nairobi and surrounding counties gathered for the Equity Group Foundation’s (EGF) 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress, an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of transformational leaders and innovators in Kenya. Held under the theme “The Innovation Generation: Igniting Ideas, Creating Impact,” the event took place during the April school holidays and drew scholars, mentors, and dignitaries from across the country.
This year, the congress is reaching a record 18,442 scholars from 11 regions, including 2,512 refugee scholars from Dadaab and Kakuma camps, reflecting the inclusive nature of EGF’s flagship programs — Wings to Fly and the Elimu Scholarship Program — which offer full secondary school scholarships to academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Nairobi regional congress, supported by 65 Equity Bank branches, hosted scholars from seven counties and featured an impressive lineup of facilitators including captains of industry, government officials, academia, religious leaders, and global partners.
“Equity Group Foundation’s mentorship model is transformative; it doesn’t just prepare students for careers but cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership needed to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges,” said Virginia Gitonga, Principal of Alliance Girls’ High School, in her keynote address.
EGF Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi emphasized the foundation’s broader vision, stating, “We are cultivating more than scholars — we are developing a movement of purpose-driven leaders who will redefine Kenya’s future. This congress represents the power of our holistic approach: where scholarships meet leadership development, where potential meets opportunity, and where today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators.”
Building Change Agents
The two-day congress focused on five core pillars: academic excellence, value-centered living, transformative leadership, giving back to society, and gender sensitization. Through interactive plenary sessions and mentorship programs, scholars were challenged to think critically, dream boldly, and innovate for impact — both within their communities and beyond.
Underpinning these efforts is a growing emphasis on technology and innovation. Through its Tech Apprenticeship Program, EGF has immersed 415 Wings to Fly alumni and Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars in frontier industries such as HealthTech, AgTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech. These apprentices have been mentored by global tech giants including Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS, equipping them with practical skills in high-demand sectors.
Driving Global Competitiveness
The Equity Leaders Program, which nurtures top-performing high school graduates into future leaders, continues to gain global acclaim. In 2025 alone, 113 ELP scholars secured full scholarships to world-renowned universities, adding to the program’s tally of over 970 global scholars in 233 universities across 37 countries. Notably, 204 of them are studying at Ivy League institutions.
A new cohort of 750 scholars has also joined the pre-university internship track, which forms a critical part of the ELP’s career-readiness strategy. To date, ELP has facilitated 9,700 paid internships and supported 3,979 TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) scholars, contributing significantly to the region’s human capital development.
A Catalyst for Vision 2030 and the SDGs
Equity Group Foundation’s education and leadership initiatives are not only changing individual lives but also contributing to Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By prioritizing inclusive access to quality education, nurturing ethical leadership, and investing in youth innovation, EGF is positioning itself as a cornerstone of sustainable national development.
With 60,009 scholars supported to date through Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship Programs, Equity’s model of merging scholarship with mentorship, innovation, and leadership is fast becoming a gold standard for educational impact across Africa.
As the 16th Congress concludes, it leaves behind not only inspired scholars but a powerful message: the future of Kenya lies in the hands of a well-mentored, ethically grounded, and innovation-ready generation.