Equity Group Foundation Mentors Scholars on Innovation and Leadership
Equity Group Foundation Mentors Scholars on Innovation and Leadership
Empowering the Next Generation
Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is hosting its 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress during the August holidays. The event brings together 4,404 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars, including 3,402 refugee students from Dadaab and Kakuma.
The two-day forums, themed “The Innovation Generation: Igniting Ideas, Creating Impact,” aim to equip scholars with mentorship, leadership skills, and tools for social transformation.
EGF is working in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, Global Partnership for Education, the German Government through KfW Development Bank, Equity Bank, and other stakeholders.
The program encourages participants to sharpen academic excellence, embrace ethical leadership, and build innovation skills. Through interactive sessions, scholars gain insights from industry leaders, practice critical thinking, learn problem-solving techniques, and strengthen resilience.
Equity Group Foundation Mentors Scholars on Innovation and Leadership
The five guiding pillars include academic excellence, value-centered living, transformative leadership, giving back to society, and gender sensitization.
Speaking at the Nairobi Congress hosted at Alliance Girls High School, EGF Board Director Dr. Ruth Kagia said:
“We are cultivating more than scholars ,we are developing a movement of purpose-driven leaders who will redefine Kenya’s future. Our unique model intertwines world-class education, transformative mentorship, and strong ethical values to create true agents of change.”
She emphasized that the congress combines scholarships with leadership development, creating young innovators ready to transform their communities.
Equity Group Foundation Mentors Scholars on Innovation and Leadership
Expanding Opportunities for Scholars
So far, the Wings to Fly and Elimu programs have supported 60,009 students with full secondary school scholarships. These opportunities continue to open doors for bright learners from needy backgrounds.
At the Kakuma Congress, Waweru Mathenge, Director of Legal at Equity Bank Kenya, highlighted that in the past 16 years, 82% of beneficiaries achieved university entry grades. He encouraged the scholars, saying:
“Let today mark the beginning of a journey where you embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and use your knowledge to make a lasting impact. No dream is too big and no idea too small.”
Similarly, during the Dadaab Congress, Ministry of Education official Peter Gachanji urged scholars to value their chance. He reminded them to set realistic goals, maintain study discipline, manage time wisely, and focus on understanding rather than memorization.
The Congress is designed to influence daily decisions and inspire positive change in academics, personal growth, and community development.
In addition, the Tech Apprenticeship Program has given 415 Wings to Fly alumni and Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars hands-on experience in fields such as HealthTech, AgTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech. They are mentored by experts from Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS.
The ELP continues to make a global impact. In the 2024/2025 cycle, 128 scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC secured admission to international universities.
To date, 1,098 scholars have earned placements in global universities. The program has also provided 9,700 paid internships, supported 3,979 TVET students, and welcomed 750 new pre-university interns.
Today, the ELP network has grown to 29,515 scholars across the region. Together, they represent a strong force shaping Africa’s future.
