Equity Leaders Program Sends 121 Scholars to Top Global Universities

Scholarships worth KSh3 billion will support students from four African countries through their undergraduate studies

The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) has secured global university admissions for 121 scholars in the 2025/2026 application cycle.

The scholars come from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They have secured comprehensive scholarships and financial support for their undergraduate studies.

Together, the scholarship packages are worth USD 23.42 million, equivalent to about KSh3.02 billion.

Scholars gain admission across 16 countries

The 121 scholars will join 63 universities across 16 countries. These institutions span four continents: North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Kenya has the largest number of scholars, with 86 students securing admissions. Rwanda follows with 29 scholars, while Uganda has four and the DRC has two.

In addition, 44 ELP scholars have completed interviews for government-sponsored overseas scholarships. They now await final admission and scholarship confirmations.

Of these, 23 scholars interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship. Another 21 completed interviews for the Romania Government Scholarship.

20 scholars secure Ivy League admissions

The latest cohort also includes 20 scholars who have gained admission to Ivy League institutions.

This brings the total number of ELP scholars admitted to Ivy League universities to 240.

The latest admissions highlight the growing reach of the Equity Leaders Program. The initiative combines academic preparation with mentorship and leadership development.

Equity Group Foundation backs global talent

Speaking during the scholars’ commissioning ceremony at Equity Centre in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the program’s long-term focus.

He said ELP aims to prepare Africa’s next generation of ethical and innovative leaders.

“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,” Dr. Mwangi said.

He urged the scholars to use their global education to create opportunities and solutions when they return to Africa.

The commissioning ceremony also brought together Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation at the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, and other stakeholders.

Simek encouraged the scholars to embrace new cultures, build international networks and remain curious throughout their studies.

Scholars share their journeys

For the new scholars, the opportunity represents years of hard work and preparation.

Aime Iradukunda, an ELP scholar from Uganda, applied to about 14 universities before gaining admission to Harvard College.

He previously attended Royal Giant High School in Mityana. He was also the top-performing male student in Mityana District and scored 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education.

At Harvard, Iradukunda will study Electrical Engineering and Economics.

He credited Equity Group Foundation and Equity Bank Uganda for supporting his journey to the prestigious institution.

Meanwhile, Kenyan scholar Grace Sang’ will pursue Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Sang’ previously attended Alliance Girls High School. She earned an A grade in the 2025 KCSE.

She said the Equity College Counselling Program helped her recognise her strengths and pursue opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Mentorship remains at the heart of ELP

The program goes beyond university admissions and scholarships. It also creates a network of scholars, alumni and mentors.

This network supports students as they prepare for life beyond university.

Equity Global Scholars Board Member David Kiiru Kimani encouraged the new scholars to view ELP as a lifelong community.

He said the program seeks to develop leaders who can return home and contribute to their communities.

Similarly, Equity College Counselling Program Study Group Leader Brian Oweka Otieno highlighted the importance of mentorship and collaboration.

Otieno is a fourth-year Medicine student at Selçuk University in Türkiye. He urged students to use study groups, mentorship and peer support throughout their academic journeys.

Equity Leaders Program Sends 121 Scholars to Top Global Universities

Scholarship value exceeds KSh3 billion

The latest scholarship packages are worth USD 23,422,515. That translates to approximately KSh3.02 billion for the duration of the scholars’ undergraduate studies.

In addition, the scholars received airlift tokens during the commissioning ceremony. The support will help them transition to their respective universities.

The latest cohort adds to the growing impact of the Equity Leaders Program.

To date, ELP has supported 1,236 scholars to gain admissions and scholarships at 247 global universities. These institutions are spread across 40 countries and six continents.

Building Africa’s next generation of leaders

The Equity Leaders Program is an initiative of Equity Group Foundation. It identifies and mentors high-performing young people across Africa.

The program combines leadership development with academic and career support. It also provides paid internships, mentorship, coaching and college counselling.

Through this model, ELP helps young people access world-class education. At the same time, it prepares them to contribute to inclusive economic and social development.

As the latest scholars prepare to begin their studies abroad, the program continues to position education as a pathway to leadership, innovation and opportunity across Africa.