- Nearly 5,000 secondary school scholars have undergone leadership, life-skills and career readiness training.
- The scholars participated in Equity Group Foundation’s 17th Annual Education and Leadership Congress.
- The programme focused on ethical leadership, problem-solving, resilience, career preparedness and responsible use of technology.
Nearly 5,000 secondary school scholars have undergone intensive leadership, life skills and career readiness training as the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) seeks to prepare a new generation of ethical leaders capable of turning social challenges into practical solutions.
A total of 4,949 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship beneficiaries participated in the Foundation’s 17th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held from August 10 to 14 at four venues in Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi.
The Congress brought together 1,996 Wings to Fly scholars in Form Three and Form Four and 2,953 Form Three refugee scholars under the Elimu Scholarship Programme.
Held under the theme “Lead, Solve, Sustain: Turning Challenges into Solutions,” the annual forum placed leadership, problem-solving, resilience and career preparedness at the centre of the scholars’ development.
The programme is part of EGF’s broader effort to ensure that academic opportunity is matched with the skills, values and confidence young people need to navigate an increasingly competitive world.
Leadership and problem-solving
Through plenary sessions, mentorship forums and life-skills training, the scholars were challenged to move beyond academic excellence and develop the ability to identify problems, think critically and create solutions that can improve their communities.
Ethical leadership was a major focus, with sessions examining values, responsible decision-making and the importance of integrity in public and professional life.
The scholars also interacted with leaders and professionals drawn from government, academia, industry and the non-profit sector, as well as alumni of the Wings to Fly and Elimu programmes.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) provided guidance on education pathways, university placement and preparation for life after secondary school.
Other sessions addressed mental resilience, self-awareness, identity, diversity and inclusion, with particular attention to helping refugee scholars navigate the challenges associated with displacement while preparing for higher education and professional careers.
The programme also exposed students to university life and career choices, equipping them with practical knowledge on making informed decisions as they transition from secondary school.
Testimonies from successful scholarship alumni offered participants first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing higher education and building careers.
The alumni challenged the scholars to maintain high standards of discipline and excellence while using their education to serve their communities.
Mwangi challenges scholars
Speaking during the Congress, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Equity Group Holdings Plc Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi said the Foundation’s scholarship programmes were designed to give young people an opportunity to realise their potential regardless of their circumstances.
“At Equity Group Foundation, we are truly excited to have supported this cohort of more than 60,000 scholars,” Dr Mwangi said.
He said the Foundation’s 17-year scholarship journey had demonstrated the transformative power of education when combined with mentorship, leadership development and exposure to opportunities.
As technology and science continue to reshape economies and workplaces, Dr Mwangi urged the scholars to acquire skills that would enable them to become creators rather than passive consumers of technology.
He challenged them to use technology to develop solutions to problems facing their communities and Africa.
“An opportunity can open a door, but it is the choices you make, the skills you develop and the problems you choose to solve that ultimately determine what you do with that opportunity,” he said.
Dr Mwangi said the Foundation’s responsibility extended beyond helping scholars secure academic success.
“Our responsibility is not only to prepare scholars to succeed, but to inspire them to lead with integrity, solve problems with courage and creativity, and sustain the impact they create,” he said.
“We want every scholar to leave their school, community and country better than they found them.”
Expanding opportunities for scholars
The Congress comes at a time when EGF is expanding its focus from access to education to developing young people who can translate their education into leadership, innovation and community impact.
The Foundation’s scholarship programmes have increasingly combined financial support with mentorship, leadership training, career guidance and exposure to global opportunities.
The latest Congress also comes barely a week after 121 Equity Leaders Programme (ELP) scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo secured admission to leading universities in 16 countries.
The scholars received comprehensive financial scholarships valued at KSh2.79 billion ($21.64 million) for the four-year duration of their studies.
The latest international university admissions have further highlighted the role of EGF programmes in opening pathways for academically gifted young people from diverse backgrounds.
For the thousands of scholars attending the 2026 Congress, the message was that academic achievement alone will not define their contribution to society.
Instead, they were urged to combine education with character, resilience, innovation and a willingness to confront problems facing their communities.
The Foundation hopes the approach will produce graduates who are not only prepared for the changing world of work but are also equipped to provide responsible leadership and create sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges.
By Felix Wanderi
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
