NAIROBI, Kenya – The 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress by Equity Group Foundation is more than just a gathering—it’s a powerful convergence of ambition, mentorship, and transformation.
This week-long event, spread across Mombasa, Machakos, and Nairobi counties, has brought together 18,442 scholars, including over 2,500 refugee students, to nurture the next generation of Kenyan leaders.
Backed by the Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship Programs, the congress blends education with inspiration, offering young minds more than school fees—it offers a future.
Alliance Girls High School has been a hub of inspiration over the past two days, bringing together 3,200 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars for the Nairobi region’s 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress, by Equity Group Foundation (EGF).While addressing the scholars, Dr.
At Mama Ngina Girls’ Secondary School in Mombasa, Dr. James Mwangi, Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, officially opened the congress with a message that felt more TED Talk than traditional speech.
“You are now the AI generation, where machines are competing with people in terms of intelligence,” he told 1,820 eager students. “You must not miss the opportunity to be part of the generation that adapts to new technologies.”
This tech-forward mindset isn’t just hype—it’s Equity’s way of preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars receive not just tuition, but also structured mentorship, leadership training, and exposure to cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, innovation, and climate justice.
Faida Ya Wings To Fly:Wanafunzi walionufaika wakutana maeneo kadhaaWaliokutana wahamasishwa kuhusu mambo ya maishaAfisa Mkuu wa Equity Dkt James Mwangi amehudhuria#CitizenNipashe @JamilaMohamed
The congress also marked a major milestone in inclusivity. Addressing 1,291 students at Machakos Boys High School, Dr. Mwangi shared a powerful story: “A refugee we sponsored in 2011 is now the Governor of the Central Bank of South Sudan.”
The scholarship programs have intentionally widened their scope to support marginalized communities, especially refugees and children from single-parent households.
This commitment is deeply rooted in a rigorous, community-driven selection process, where local Community Scholarship Selection Boards conduct interviews and home visits to ensure that only the most deserving applicants are chosen.
If you’re wondering whether all this effort is paying off, the stats will win you over.
- 98% of Equity scholars complete secondary school
- 86% go on to university
- In the 2024 KCSE exams, 263 Wings to Fly students scored an A
- To date, 60,009 scholarships have been awarded
- And yes, some alumni have landed placements at Harvard University, among other global institutions
At Alliance Girls High School in Nairobi, where 3,200 scholars attended, the impact was deeply personal.
“I had no hope of continuing with school until I got the scholarship,” said Jacqueline Mbithe, who now dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Noor Abdi, another beneficiary, added, “I only have one parent. It was very difficult to continue with school.”
As the congress unfolds across 11 regions, the message is loud and clear: this is more than education—it’s empowerment. Equity Group Foundation is not just funding students; it’s fueling a national movement toward leadership, innovation, and equity in the truest sense.
And in an age where AI is rewriting the rules of work, learning, and even creativity, these young scholars won’t just be part of the conversation—they’ll be the ones leading it.
