A total of 733 top-performing KCSE candidates have been selected to join the 2026 Equity Leaders Program (ELP), in a nationwide flag-off ceremony held on Friday at various Equity Bank branches across the country.
The students will report to Nairobi for a two-week induction before being placed in internship positions in Equity Bank branches nationwide.
The selected group includes 337 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars who scored A or A-minus, 106 top boys and girls from every sub-county who attained 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 reflects the bank’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
“This is not just about academic excellence. It is about preparing young people who will become doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders who will uplift their communities,” she said.
At the Kayole Sub-County event, Director of Education and Community Scholarship Selection Board Jerioth Kerubo described the occasion as a proud moment for the community.
She said the programme shows that with the right support, learners from all backgrounds can succeed.
Several beneficiaries shared how the scholarship programmes changed their lives.
Umutesi Bineza, an Elimu scholar from Mbooni Girls High School, said she almost missed secondary education due to financial challenges.
“I am a refugee and life was very difficult. I scored 403 marks but had no hope of joining high school. The scholarship gave me a second chance,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Aladwa Stephine, said he scored 399 marks but lacked school fees.
“The scholarship helped me complete school and I finished with an A-minus. Now I am joining the internship programme, and I am very grateful,” he said.
Sumis Ibrahim from Marsabit County, who scored an A-minus at St Angela’s Nguviu Girls, said the support changed her life and inspired her to help others in the future.
After the induction, the students will undertake structured internships across the country, where they will receive mentorship, leadership training and professional exposure.
The Equity Leaders Program has supported more than 10,000 scholars across East and Central Africa and continues to place graduates in leading universities, companies and public institutions.
Founded in 1998, the programme has grown into one of the region’s leading youth leadership initiatives, producing graduates who have excelled in global universities, started businesses and served in public and private institutions.
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