Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, and Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi addresses Wings to Fly and Elimu beneficiaries during the 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held at Alliance Girls High School. A total of 4,949 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship scholars have been equipped with leadership, life skills and career readiness through the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) 17th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held across Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi from August 10 to 14, 2026. The Congress brought together 1,996 Wings to Fly scholars in Form 3 and Form 4 and 2,953 Form 3 refugee scholars under the Elimu Scholarship Programme. Held under the theme, “Lead, Solve, Sustain: Turning Challenges into Solutions,” the Congress sought to inspire scholars to embrace creativity, think critically and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Through mentorship, leadership development and life skills sessions, the scholars strengthened their academic excellence, resilience, ethical leadership and commitment to community service. They also engaged representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), gender champions, industry leaders, professionals and alumni, who provided guidance on education pathways and career preparation.
The Congress also focused on helping scholars navigate the national education system, build mental resilience, strengthen self-awareness and identity, and prepare for university and campus life. Scholars from refugee communities explored how to thrive beyond displacement, while sessions on diversity and inclusion further strengthened their ability to navigate different environments.
Speaking to the scholars, Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Managing Director & CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, said the Foundation’s goal was to give every scholar an equal opportunity to realise their potential regardless of their circumstances.
“As science and technology reshape the world, we are encouraging our scholars to embrace these opportunities, develop relevant skills and use technology not simply to consume, but to create solutions to the challenges facing their communities and the continent. 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.”
Dr. Mwangi added that the Foundation’s responsibility extended beyond preparing scholars for academic and professional 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. We want every scholar to leave their school, community and country better than they found them.”
The Congress came barely a week after 121 Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured admission to leading global universities, with comprehensive financial scholarships valued at KSh2.79 billion for the four-year duration of their studies.
Ambassador Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya, said the partnership between KfW and Equity Group Foundation was helping young Kenyans pursue their dreams and realise their full potential.
“We support this programme because we believe that investing in young people is one of the best investments a country can make in its human potential, strengthening individuals, communities and the nation’s future.”
Amb. Groth said the programme’s impact went beyond academic achievement, helping to shape responsible citizens and ethical leaders. He noted that more than 60,000 scholars had benefited from comprehensive secondary school scholarships, with a 98% completion rate.
Jeremiah Kipaiyu, Kikuyu Sub-County Director of Education in Kiambu County, said the scholarship programmes were creating pathways for learners to pursue their aspirations.
“Equity Group Foundation, together with other partners, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to provide scholarships that open doors of opportunity for learners. We believe these programmes are a lifeline through which their dreams can take flight, giving them the support, confidence and opportunities they need to soar towards a brighter future,” Kipaiyu said.
Beyond secondary education, the Equity Leaders Program has supported 10,505 university scholars across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. In addition, 1,236 scholars have secured admission to leading global universities on fully funded scholarships, including Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. The Foundation has also facilitated 4,039 TVET scholarships in Kenya and the DRC.
To date, 60,009 scholars across Kenya have benefited from the Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship programmes, receiving comprehensive scholarships and mentorship support throughout their secondary education journey.
Equity Group leadership, led by Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr James Mwangi (seated 7th left), key guests and Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship beneficiaries, during the 17th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held at Alliance Girls High School.
Equity Group leadership, led by Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr James Mwangi (seated 7th left), key guests and Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship beneficiaries, during the 17th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held at Alliance Girls High School.
