• In the 2025/2026 application cycle, a total of 121 ELP scholars from Kenya (86), Uganda (4), Rwanda (29) and DRC (2) have secured admissions to global universities, with comprehensive financial scholarships.
• In addition, 44 ELP scholars have completed interviews for Government-sponsored overseas undergraduate scholarships and are awaiting final admission and scholarship award confirmations
• The scholarships are valued at USD 23,422,515 (Kshs. 3,021,504,435) for the duration of the scholars’ undergraduate studies

Nairobi, Friday, 7th August 2026: A total of 121 Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars from Kenya (86), Uganda (4), Rwanda (29) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (2) have secured admission to pursue undergraduate studies in prestigious global universities in the 2025/2026 application cycle.  The scholars have each been awarded comprehensive scholarships and financial packages by the admitting universities.

The scholars have been admitted to 63 universities located in 16 countries across four (4) continents; North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, affirming Equity Group Foundation’s continued investment in education, leadership development, and the nurturing of globally competitive African talent.

In addition, 44 ELP scholars have been shortlisted, completed interviews, and are awaiting final admission and scholarship award confirmations for the Kenyan Government-sponsored undergraduate scholarship overseas opportunities. These include 23 scholars interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship and 21 scholars interviewed for the Romania Government Scholarship.

Commissioning the scholars at Equity Centre, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation and Equity Group Managing Director & CEO, who was joined by Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, said the Equity Leaders Program remains a strategic platform for building Africa’s next generation of ethical, innovative, and solution-oriented 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. 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,” said Dr. Mwangi.

“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. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary; use every moment to grow, and when you return home, you will shine as the leaders who drive transformation,” said Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.

Sharing their experiences and reflections on their journeys, the scholars highlighted the impact of the Equity Leaders Program in unlocking opportunities and enabling them to pursue their aspirations at leading global universities.

“I applied to about 14 universities before receiving my admission to Harvard. To be honest, I believed my chances of getting in were very slim, so when the acceptance letter came, I was in complete disbelief. I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Equity Bank Uganda and Equity Group for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. Their support has made it possible for me to pursue my dream at one of the world’s leading universities,” said Aime Iradukunda, Equity Leaders Program Scholar from Uganda, former student of Royal Giant High School, Mityana, who was the top-performing male student in Mityana District and scored 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). He will pursue Electrical Engineering/Economics at Harvard College, USA.

“Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone else’s journey to believe your own is possible. When I heard Equity Leaders Program alumni share their stories while I was in Form Two, I set a goal to one day earn my place among them. The Equity College Counseling Program helped me realise that my achievements, interests, and personal story all had value, giving me the confidence and support to pursue opportunities I once thought were beyond my reach. Through persistence, countless essays, revisions, and determination, that dream became a reality with my admission to New York University Abu Dhabi. As I begin this new chapter, I carry with me deep gratitude, a sense of purpose, and the hope that my journey will inspire other young people to believe in their own potential,” said Grace Sang’, Equity Leaders Program Scholar from Kenya, former student of Alliance Girls High School, who scored an A grade in the 2025 KCSE and will pursue Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Beyond admissions and scholarships, the Equity Leaders Program continues to build a community of scholars, alumni, and mentors who share a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and impact. Reflecting on the journey and the responsibility that comes with joining this global network of changemakers, Equity Global Scholars Board Member David Kiiru Kimani and Equity College Counselling Program Study Group Leader Brian Oweka Otieno shared messages of purpose, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship in unlocking global opportunities.

“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. The Equity Leaders Program has never been just about scholarships; it is about building values-led leaders who will return home to transform communities, tackle shared global challenges and expand opportunity for others. Today, you take your place in that legacy, and you carry it forward,” said David Kiiru Kimani, an Equity Global Scholars Board Member currently a first-year student at Williams College, USA, studying Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience.

“My journey is proof that with the right mentorship, structured guidance, and determination, global scholarships are achievable. Dream boldly, prepare intentionally, and trust the process. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that success is never a solo journey. Study groups matter, review essays together, tackle challenging questions toge1ther, stay accountable, and celebrate every milestone together. To every mentee: own your talent, maximize every opportunity, and do not be afraid to aim for the global stage. The world needs your ideas, your leadership, and your impact,” said Brian Oweka Otieno, Equity College Counselling Program 2026 Study Group Leader and a fourth-year student at Selçuk University – Türkiye, studying Medicine.

Out of the 121 scholars admitted this year, 20 have secured admission to Ivy League institutions, bringing the total number of ELP scholars admitted to Ivy League universities to 240 to date.

The scholarship packages secured in this cycle are valued at USD 23,422,515 (Kshs. 3,021,504,435) for the duration of the scholars’ undergraduate studies. During the commissioning ceremony, scholars received an airlift token to support their transition and onboarding into their respective universities.

To date, the Equity Leaders Program has supported 1,236 scholars to gain admissions and scholarships to 247 global universities in 40 countries across six (6) continents, reflecting the scale and consistency of Equity’s education and leadership development agenda.

The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) is a leadership development initiative of Equity Group Foundation, designed to identify, mentor and nurture high-performing youth, equipping them with the competencies, exposure and networks required to drive inclusive socio-economic transformation. Through a structured model that integrates paid internships, mentorship, coaching, and the Equity College Counselling Program, ELP supports scholars to access world-class education opportunities locally and globally, while remaining anchored to values-driven leadership and community impact.

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. 121 Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars from four countries, Kenya (86), Rwanda (29), Uganda (4), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (2), have secured admission to pursue undergraduate studies at 63 global universities across 16 countries in four continents during the 2025/2026 application cycle. The scholars have secured comprehensive financial scholarships valued at USD 23,422,515 (Kshs. 3,021,504,435) for the duration of their undergraduate studies, enabling them to access world-class education and prepare for leadership roles that will shape Africa’s future.

Grace Sang’, Equity Leaders Program Scholar from Kenya, who is set to join New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE to study Computer Science (Left), receives a congratulatory letter from Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, during the commissioning of scholars who will be joining top global universities.

Aime Iradukunda, Equity Leaders Program Scholar from Uganda, who is set to join Harvard College, USA to study Electrical Engineering/Economics (Left), receives a congratulatory letter from Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, during the commissioning of scholars who will be joining top global universities.

Dieume Baraka, an Equity Leaders Scholar and refugee scholar supported through the Elimu Scholarship, set to join the University of Toronto to study International Relations (Left), receives a congratulatory letter from Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation – Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, during the commissioning of scholars who will be joining top global universities.