Equity Group Foundation has announced the selection of 750 top secondary school graduates to its prestigious Equity Leaders Program (ELP). These top-performing students who are joining the Pre-University Paid Internship program within the ELP will be based at Equity Bank branches for six months as they prepare for university journey later this year.
The cohort consists of 350 Wings to Fly Scholars and Elimu Scholars who achieved Grade A and A-, 167 top-performing students from each sub-county who scored Grade A (Plain), and 233 top national scholars who earned a minimum of Grade A (Plain) with 84 points in their final exams.
While addressing the scholars at the commissioning ceremony, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, said the scholars have demonstrated consistent excellence and determination in their academic journey. “This Program is not just about providing you with valuable work experience, it’s about nurturing your leadership skills, empowering you to become change-makers in your communities and beyond, and equipping you with the tools to succeed in both your university studies and your professional future,” Dr Mwangi said.
The commissioning ceremony was held after a two-week intensive induction program which included interactions with leaders from various industries, including Equity Group’s leadership team. Scholars engaged in discussions on leadership, personal growth, and community development. These insights will help position them for success in their academic and future careers.
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Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, emphasized the importance of trust, honesty, and integrity in leadership. “As future leaders, it is crucial that you are known for your principles,” he said. “At Equity, we believe in values such as professionalism, integrity, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and a shared purpose.”
The interns will receive a monthly stipend during their six-month internship, with a portion of the stipend saved and released to them upon their transition to university to instil a saving culture early. This initiative helps facilitate a smooth academic transition, providing financial support for their higher education. The scholars receive mentorship and coaching from globally experienced and accomplished professionals with diverse skills to deepen their knowledge before they settle on what careers to pursue and what to study.
Dieume Baraka, a former student of Starehe Boys Centre who achieved an A (Plain) in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Elimu Scholarship Program, shared his journey. “Coming from a background marked by unimaginable hardship, I have always believed that education is the key to a brighter future. Despite the many challenges I faced, whether it was living in refugee camps, enduring displacement, or struggling with the basic needs for my education, I remained focused on my dream of bringing change to my community.”
Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former student of Parklands Arya Girls Secondary School, scored an A- (Minus) in the 2024 KCSE. “This is a great opportunity that Equity has provided us through the Equity Leaders Program, and I am truly grateful for the chance to be part of it. The two weeks of leadership mentorship have been incredible, particularly the interactions with the Bank’s leadership and the insightful mentors.”
Elema Badaqe Duba, a former student of Makueni Boys High School who achieved an A- (Minus) in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Wings to Fly program, said growing up in Marsabit as the firstborn in a family of seven, he faced immense challenges, including sleeping outside due to the high temperatures and walking long distances to school. “Despite these hardships, I remained determined to excel academically. What inspired me to work hard is my deep desire to provide for my family and lift them out of poverty.”
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