Equity Group Foundation has confirmed that 128 Equity Leaders Program scholars have secured admission and full scholarships to 63 universities across 20 countries, with destinations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The announcement, made on August 14, 2025 in Nairobi, covers scholars drawn from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Funding and support
The total value of the scholarships for the four year undergraduate journeys stands at KES 2,791,962,093, approximately USD 21,643,117. In addition, each scholar will receive an airlift token of up to KES 200,000 to ease their transition into their host universities, including travel and initial settlement needs.
Where the scholars are headed
This year’s cohort includes 87 scholars from Kenya, 33 from Rwanda, 4 from Uganda and 4 from DRC. Collectively, they will join 63 institutions in 20 countries. The intake features 16 Ivy League placements, namely Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. The distribution includes 1 to Columbia, 4 to Harvard, 8 to Princeton and 3 to Penn.
Voices from the cohort
Several scholars shared how ELP mentorship and structure helped them navigate a demanding global admissions process.
- From Uganda, Claire Nsaba will study Environmental Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi. She said the program’s support clarified her path after earlier rejections, and she plans to design sustainable water solutions for underserved communities.
- From Kenya, Presley Chomba will study Renewable Energy Engineering at Harvard University. He described the journey as a test of resilience, noting he funded SAT preparation using savings from work at Equity Bank, and credited the program’s community for staying the course.
- From Kenya, former Elimu scholar Sharon Nyambura Wanjiku will study Nursing at Matej Bel University in Slovakia. She highlighted persistence after rejections, with mentorship helping her seize the Slovak Government Scholarship.
Leadership perspective
Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, framed ELP as a long term investment in Africa’s transformation. He urged the scholars to use their global exposure to return with knowledge, skills and networks that can accelerate economic growth, support social progress and inspire others across the continent.
Why it matters
The Equity Leadership Program, established in 1998, identifies high potential students from across Equity Group subsidiaries and equips them through mentorship, leadership training and structured pathways to internships and global admissions. With this cohort, the tally of ELP scholars admitted to global universities rises to 1,098 to date. The consistent pipeline of placements underpins EGF’s model of pairing academic excellence with character development and practical exposure, with an emphasis on impact on home communities.
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