NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 8 – A total of 733 top KCSE performers have been selected to join the 2026 Equity Leaders Program (ELP), where they will take up leadership development and structured internship roles across Equity Bank branches nationwide after a two-week induction in Nairobi.
The students were flagged off on Friday during ceremonies held at various Equity Bank branches across the country, marking the start of their transition from academic excellence into professional and leadership exposure.
The cohort includes 337 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars who attained A or A–, 106 top boys and girls from every sub-county who scored grade A (plain), and 290 national top scorers who achieved 84 points.
Speaking during the Nairobi flag-off, Equity Bank Nairobi Regional Manager Mary Mungai said the programme is designed to prepare high-performing students for future leadership through mentorship, work experience and values-based training.
“These scholars represent the future professionals and leaders who will drive transformation in their communities and beyond,” she said.
At the Kayole Sub-County event, Jerioth Kerubo, Director of Education at the Community Scholarship Selection Board, described the selection as a proud moment, highlighting the impact of education and leadership opportunities on learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Several beneficiaries shared how the scholarship programmes changed their education journeys.
Umutesi Bineza, an Elimu scholar from Mbooni Girls High School, said she nearly missed out on secondary education due to financial challenges despite scoring 403 marks in primary school.
“The scholarship saved my education and gave me mentors who kept me focused,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Aladwa Stephine, said he scored 399 marks at Mwangaza Primary School but lacked the means to join high school.
“The scholarship enabled me to complete school and score an A-minus. Now I’m beginning my internship journey,” he said.
From Marsabit County, Sumis Ibrahim, who scored an A-minus at St Angela’s Nguviu Girls High School, said the opportunity had transformed her life and inspired her to support others.
After the Nairobi induction, the students will be deployed to Equity Bank branches across the country, where they will receive hands-on work experience, leadership training, and mentorship.
Established in 1998, the Equity Leaders Program has supported more than 10,000 scholars across East and Central Africa and has become one of the region’s most influential youth leadership pipelines.
