Africa-Press – Kenya. Equity Bank Kenya has selected 733 academically gifted students from across the country to join the 2026 cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP).
Those selected are in Nairobi for a two-week induction ahead of deployment at Equity Bank’s 221 branches across the country for Sh50,000 a month paid internship on basics of banking as well as counselling for the next six months.
Speaking to a section of the scholars drawn from across Nairobi East outside Kayole Branch, the Equity Bank Kenya Regional General Manager for Nairobi East Mary Mungai said the flag-off is not just a celebration of academic excellence, but a reaffirmation of Equity’s long-term commitment to transforming lives and communities through education and leadership.
“Through the Equity Leaders Programme, we are deliberately investing in young people with the talent, discipline, and values to become ethical leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers for our region and the continent. These scholars represent the future doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will not only change their own lives but also uplift entire communities – just as we have already seen through initiatives like Equity Afya and our growing global network of ELP alumni,” said Mungai, adding that after induction they will be deployed to the nearest branch to their homes.
The 2026 cohort in Kenya comprises of 337 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholars who attained Grades A and A–, continuing their journey of academic and leadership excellence.
Also included are 106 top boys and girls from every sub-county with Grade A (Plain) and 290 top national scholars who earned Grade A with 84 points, reflecting the highest achievers nationwide.
“The programme, established in 1998, continues to strengthen the pathways created by Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarships, ensuring that academically gifted students receive mentorship, training, and exposure to become transformative leaders. To date, the programme has benefited 10,505 university scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda,” said Mungai.
The programme, which features a competitive paid internship component, aims at empowering young academically gifted scholars by supporting their access to education in public universities in their countries and around the globe, as well as equipping them with leadership skills.
Scholars following proceedings/HANDOUT
The Nairobi induction will run for two weeks, after which scholars will be posted to Equity branches for internships.
The leadership development model seeks to develop scholars in four programme areas that include personal and professional development; global exposure; creativity and innovation; and community engagement.
Scholars in this paid internship program have an opportunity to join the Equity College Counselling Programme to receive coaching and mentorship on how to apply to and secure admissions into leading global institutions.
To date, a total of 1,115 students have successfully received admission to top global universities on fully funded scholarships; including Ivy League Universities such as Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania.
