The Equity Group leadership led by Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi (centre) together with a section of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars who will be joining 63 global universities in 16 Countries.
By Peace Muthoka
Scholarships worth Sh3 billion awarded as scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and DRC gain admission to 63 universities in 16 countries.
NAIROBI, August 7, 2026 — A total of 121 scholars under the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) have secured admission to leading universities around the world, with comprehensive scholarships valued at more than Sh3 billion for the duration of their undergraduate studies.
The scholars, admitted during the 2025/2026 application cycle, comprise 86 from Kenya, 29 from Rwanda, four from Uganda and two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
They have secured places at 63 universities in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, highlighting the growing reach of the Equity Group Foundation’s efforts to expand access to quality education and develop Africa’s next generation of leaders.
The scholarship packages are valued at USD 23.42 million (approximately Sh3.02 billion) and will cover the scholars for the duration of their undergraduate studies.
In addition, 44 ELP scholars have completed interviews for Kenyan Government-sponsored undergraduate scholarships overseas and are awaiting final admission and scholarship confirmations.
Of the 44 scholars, 23 were interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship, while 21 were interviewed for the Romania Government Scholarship.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Equity Centre in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Equity Group, said the programme was designed to prepare young people to become ethical and innovative leaders capable of addressing Africa’s challenges.
“The Equity Leaders Program represents our long-term commitment to Africa’s potential and a belief that the continent’s next chapter of growth will be shaped by well-prepared, values-led talent,” said Dr. Mwangi.
He challenged the scholars to make the most of their international exposure and return with knowledge, networks and skills that can contribute to Africa’s development.
“As you leave for global universities, remember you are carrying the dreams of your families and the expectations of our nations. Learn boldly, lead with integrity, and return equipped with world-class knowledge, networks, and confidence to build solutions that expand opportunity, competitiveness, and shared prosperity across Africa,” he said.
The commissioning was also attended by Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation at the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, who urged the scholars to embrace the opportunities ahead and learn from their experiences beyond the classroom.
“You have earned your place through an incredibly competitive process. Now step boldly into what comes next; work hard, stay curious, push beyond your comfort zone, and build friendships across cultures as you learn from the world around you as much as from the classroom,” said Simek.
He encouraged the scholars to use their international education to develop into leaders who can contribute to transformation when they return home.
For the scholars, the admissions mark the culmination of years of academic excellence, mentorship and preparation through the Equity Leaders Program and its counselling initiatives.
Aime Iradukunda, an ELP scholar from Uganda and former student of Royal Giant High School in Mityana, said his admission to Harvard College came after applying to about 14 universities.
“To be honest, I believed my chances of getting in were very slim, so when the acceptance letter came, I was in complete disbelief,” said Iradukunda.
The former top-performing male student in Mityana District, who scored 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), will pursue Electrical Engineering and Economics at Harvard College in the United States.
He expressed gratitude to Equity Bank Uganda and Equity Group for supporting his academic journey and making it possible for him to pursue his ambitions at one of the world’s leading universities.
For Grace Sang’, an ELP scholar from Kenya and former student of Alliance Girls High School, the journey began after she heard ELP alumni share their experiences while she was in Form Two.
“I set a goal to one day earn my place among them,” said Sang’, who scored an A grade in the 2025 KCSE and will pursue Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
She said the Equity College Counselling Program helped her recognise the value of her achievements, interests and personal story while giving her the confidence to apply for opportunities she had previously considered beyond her reach.
The programme’s impact, however, extends beyond university admissions and scholarships. It has also created a growing community of scholars, alumni and mentors united by a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership and community impact.
David Kiiru Kimani, an Equity Global Scholars Board Member and first-year Biology student specialising in Neuroscience at Williams College in the United States, urged the incoming scholars to view themselves as part of a lifelong network rather than simply beneficiaries of scholarships.
“As you head to universities across the world, remember you are not travelling abroad as students; you are stepping into a lifelong family of scholars, leaders, innovators and changemakers,” said Kimani.
He said the programme was ultimately about developing values-driven leaders who can return home and contribute to solving local and global challenges.
Brian Oweka Otieno, the Equity College Counselling Program’s 2026 Study Group Leader and a fourth-year Medicine student at Selçuk University in Türkiye, attributed his own journey to mentorship, structured guidance and determination.
“My journey is proof that with the right mentorship, structured guidance, and determination, global scholarships are achievable,” he said.
Otieno encouraged the scholars to work together, remain accountable and take advantage of every opportunity available to them.
“Study groups matter, review essays together, tackle challenging questions together, stay accountable, and celebrate every milestone together,” he said.
The latest admissions have also increased the number of ELP scholars admitted to Ivy League institutions. Of the 121 scholars admitted this year, 20 have secured places at Ivy League universities, bringing the total number of ELP scholars admitted to Ivy League institutions to 240.
Since its establishment, the Equity Leaders Program has supported 1,236 scholars to secure admissions and scholarships at 247 global universities in 40 countries across six continents.
During the commissioning ceremony, the scholars also received airlift tokens to support their transition and onboarding into their respective universities.
The Equity Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative of Equity Group Foundation that identifies, mentors and nurtures high-performing young people, equipping them with skills, exposure and networks to contribute to inclusive socio-economic transformation.
Through paid internships, mentorship, coaching and the Equity College Counselling Program, ELP seeks to expand access to world-class education while nurturing values-driven leadership and a commitment to community impact.
