In a powerful display of mentorship, innovation, and leadership, Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has brought together 4,404 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars including 3,402 refugee scholars from Dadaab and Kakuma for its 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress, under the theme “The Innovation Generation: Igniting Ideas, Creating Impact.”
The annual gathering, staged during the August holidays, has become a flagship platform for shaping the mindset of Kenya’s brightest yet most vulnerable young people. Designed to be more than just an academic forum, the congress immerses scholars in conversations about innovation, ethical leadership, and community transformation, preparing them to take their place as architects of the nation’s future.
Building Future Leaders
Speaking during the Nairobi congress at Alliance Girls High School, Dr. Ruth Kagia, Equity Group Foundation Board Director representing Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman, EGF emphasized the holistic vision behind the program:
“We are cultivating more than scholars we are developing a movement of purpose-driven leaders who will redefine Kenya’s future. Our model intertwines world-class education, transformative mentorship, and strong ethical values to create true agents of change.”
She further noted that the initiative is not only about education but about driving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, showing that empowering young leaders today builds sustainable, inclusive societies tomorrow.
Shaping Minds and Fueling Innovation
The two-day regional congress engages scholars across five key pillars namely; academic excellence, value-centered living, transformative leadership, giving back to society, and gender sensitization. Through plenary sessions, mentorship forums, and interactive workshops, students interact with industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs who challenge them to think boldly and creatively.
From critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to building resilience and a “maker mindset,” the congress equips students with practical skills to not only succeed academically but also to pioneer solutions that transform homes, schools, and communities.
At Kakuma, Waweru Mathenge, Equity Bank Kenya’s Director Legal, celebrated the resilience of the scholars, noting that:
“Over the past 16 years, Equity has supported KCSE candidates through Wings to Fly and Elimu. On average, 82% of the students have attained university entry grades. 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.”
Meanwhile, at Dadaab, Mr. Peter Gachanji from the Ministry of Education reminded scholars of the privilege of access:
“You are special, so value this opportunity. Many others would have wished for the same chance but did not get it. Set clear goals, manage your time well, and read to understand, not just to memorize.”
Wings to Fly and Elimu
Since inception, the Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship programs implemented by EGF in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, Global Partnership for Education, KfW, Equity Bank, and others have provided comprehensive secondary school scholarships to 60,009 bright but needy scholars across Kenya.
These programs not only cover tuition but also provide mentorship, psychosocial support, and leadership training, ensuring scholars succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
Innovation at the Core: Tech Apprenticeships & Global Pathways
Under its Innovation Pillar, EGF is creating global opportunities for its alumni. The Tech Apprenticeship Program has already trained 415 scholars in HealthTech, AgTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech, in partnership with leading firms like Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS.
The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) continues to be a springboard to global universities. In the 2024/2025 cycle alone, 128 scholars secured placements abroad, including in the USA, UK, and across Africa. To date, 1,098 scholars have been admitted to world-class institutions, while the regional cohort now stands at 29,515 scholars.
Additionally, 9,700 paid internships and 3,979 TVET scholarships have been facilitated, creating a ripple effect of human capital development across East and Central Africa.
The Bigger Picture: Purpose Meets Impact
The 16th Congress is more than a celebration of scholars; it is a vision for Kenya’s future. By blending academic support with innovation, leadership, and values-based mentorship, Equity Group Foundation is ensuring that today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators, change makers, and leaders of influence.
As Dr. Kagia captured so powerfully:
“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.”
With 60,000+ scholars already impacted and thousands more in the pipeline, the story of Equity’s education initiative is clear: Kenya’s next generation of leaders is already here and they are being equipped not just to dream but to deliver.
