Equity Group hosts nationwide congress for 18,000+ scholarship beneficiaries

The congress brings together 18,442 scholars from the Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship Programs, including 2,512 refugee students, for mentorship, leadership training, and conversations around social transformation.

Since their inception, the Wings to Fly and Elimu programs have provided comprehensive secondary school scholarships to bright but financially disadvantaged students across Kenya. The programs aim to bridge the education gap by offering not only tuition support, but also mentorship, personal development, and exposure to leadership opportunities.

At Mama Ngina Girls’ Secondary School in Mombasa County, Equity Group Foundation Chairman Dr. James Mwangi officially kicked off the regional congress, where he addressed 1,820 scholars currently in Form 3 and Form 4.

“You are now the AI generation, where machines are competing with people in terms of intelligence. You must not miss the opportunity to be part of the generation that adapts to new technologies,” said Dr. Mwangi during his keynote speech.

In Machakos County, 1,291 scholars gathered at Machakos Boys High School for the congress, where Dr. Mwangi emphasized the program’s growing inclusivity.

“We have now extended this to refugees, and I'm proud to share that a refugee we sponsored in 2011 is now the Governor of the Central Bank of South Sudan. That is the transformative effect of this program,” he added.

At Alliance Girls High School in Nairobi County, 3,200 scholars participated in the event, making it one of the largest regional gatherings this week. Scholars expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue their education and shared their ambitions for the future.

“I did my KCPE in 2021. I had no hope of continuing with school until I got the scholarship. Now, I dream of becoming a neurosurgeon,” shared Jacqueline Mbithe, a beneficiary.

“I only have one parent. It was very difficult to continue with school,” added Noor Abdi, another student supported by the program.

The Wings to Fly scholarship selection process is rigorous and community-driven. Local Community Scholarship Selection Boards evaluate applications, conduct interviews, and make home visits to ensure that the most deserving students receive support.

The impact of these programs is measurable and profound. Equity Group Foundation reports that 98 percent of its scholars complete secondary school, with 86 percent transitioning to university. In the 2024 KCSE examinations, 263 students who attained an A grade were Wings to Fly beneficiaries. The Foundation also offers paid internship opportunities to help students transition into higher education and professional life, with some earning placements at prestigious institutions like Harvard University.

To date, Equity Group Foundation has awarded a total of 60,009 scholarships, empowering students from marginalized backgrounds to pursue academic and career excellence.

As the congress continues across 11 regions, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills, values, and vision to transform society.