Yvonne Okwara challenges scholars to find their voice, embrace setbacks and lead with purpose

Speaking to the scholars at Alliance Girls High School in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, during the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) Education and Leadership Congress on Friday, Citizen TV Business Editor and News Anchor Yvonne Okwara urged the young people not to allow their circumstances, social media or other people's expectations to define who they become.

“Where you start does not determine where you finish. Who decides where you finish? You do. Your beginnings may shape your story, but your choices, courage and determination will define where that story takes you,” Okwara said.

Yvonne, one of Kenya’s most respected media personalities, asked the scholars to first understand who they are and what they stand for before seeking to lead others, urging them to develop strong values and use their voices responsibly.

“You have to know who you are. You have to lead yourself first before you can lead others. Understand your values, take responsibility for your choices and let your character guide the way you show up in the world,” she said.

Okwara also encouraged the scholars to listen, remain curious and ask questions, noting that finding one's voice was not about being the loudest person in the room but about having the confidence to express informed and authentic views.

“To find your voice, you must first learn to listen. Pay attention, seek to understand different perspectives and ask thoughtful questions. Your voice becomes more powerful when it is informed by what you have heard and learned,” she said.

The Education and Leadership Congress brought together 4,949 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship scholars across Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi from August 10 to 14 under the theme “Lead, Solve, Sustain: Turning Challenges into Solutions.”

The Congress focused on leadership, life skills, resilience, ethical leadership, community service, university readiness and career preparation, with scholars engaging government representatives, industry leaders, professionals and alumni.

Her message echoed Dr James Mwangi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Managing Director & CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, who urged scholars to use the opportunities before them to develop skills and create solutions to challenges facing their communities and the continent.

“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.”

Dr. Mwangi, who spoke on Thursday, asked the scholars to embrace science and technology not merely as consumers but as tools for creating solutions, while reminding them that an opportunity only opens a door; the choices they make, skills they develop and problems they choose to solve ultimately determine the impact they create.

Dr. Beth Waweru, Investment Specialist at the UN Joint SDG Fund, who also spoke on Friday, challenged them to change how they respond to setbacks, encouraging them to treat difficulties as opportunities to learn, improve and take their next step.

“When you experience a setback, treat it as an instruction. Let it reveal what needs to change, what you need to learn and how you can improve. Do not let setbacks stop you; allow them to guide your next step forward,” Waweru said.

She also encouraged the scholars to value the relationships they build along their journey, noting that people around them could become important sources of strength, growth and opportunity.

“Treat people as treasures. Value those around you, learn from them, support them and appreciate the unique contribution each person brings. The relationships you nurture can become some of your greatest sources of strength, growth and opportunity,” she said.

The mentorship and leadership sessions formed part of EGF's broader effort to equip scholars with the confidence, values and practical skills needed to navigate life beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. 

The Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship programmes have to date supported 60,009 scholars across Kenya, DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.