World students Day, celebrated annually on October 15th, is a tribute to the transformative power of education.
This day is not only a celebration but also a reflection on the potential education holds to shape individuals, communities, and nations. It is a global reminder of the significant role students play in driving progress and innovation across the world.
One example of how education can reshape a life and, by extension, a community, is the journey of Peter Kironji, a beneficiary of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP).
His story exemplifies the impact of global education opportunities and how they can empower individuals to become change-makers in their societies.
Raised in the humble surroundings of Njabini Boys’ High School, Peter’s life took a transformative turn when he was accepted into the Equity Leaders Program, a flagship initiative of Equity Bank that identifies, nurtures, and connects young scholars to opportunities worldwide.
With the guidance and support of ELP, Peter successfully applied to study at the University of Toronto as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, pursuing a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
His academic journey abroad, however, was just the beginning. After graduating in 2018, he co-founded an influencer marketing startup in Toronto, which, within 18 months, was successfully acquired.
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His professional experience expanded as he worked as a Cybersecurity Engineer across various industries for three years. But even in the face of success abroad, he remained rooted in Kenya.
He was driven by a desire to contribute to his home Country’s development, a value instilled during his time in the Equity Leaders Program.
In 2019, Peter returned to Kenya and co-founded Twiva, a venture-backed social commerce platform. Twiva leverages influencers to help brands connect with and access markets through social media.
The leadership principles he honed at Equity Bank, such as attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, have profoundly shaped his approach to guiding his teams towards success.
“I am deeply grateful to the Equity Leaders Program for giving me the opportunity to advance my education, reshape my mindset, and enhance my leadership skills. My advice to students around the world is to work hard, embrace challenges, and strive to become innovators who can make a lasting impact,” he said.
Kironji’s journey from a local high school student in Kenya to an innovative entrepreneur and leader is a powerful testament to the profound impact of education and global exposure.
His story embodies the very essence of World Students Day, which celebrates students’ potential to drive change, embrace technology, and break barriers.
As the co-founder and CEO of Twiva, Kironji’s work continues to influence industries both locally and internationally. His achievements serve as a beacon of hope for other young
Africans, proving that with the right opportunities and support, they too can dream big, overcome obstacles, and lead the continent into a brighter future.
Through initiatives like the Equity Leaders Program, which empowers students to embrace both local and global opportunities, Equity Bank continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Kironji’s story is a testament to how education, coupled with a strong support system, can catalyse extraordinary accomplishments.
By Felix Wanderi
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