121 Equity Scholars Secure KSh3 Billion in Global University Scholarships

A total of 121 Equity Scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have secured admission to leading universities across the world after winning scholarships valued at more than US$23.4 million (about KSh3 billion).

The students, who are beneficiaries of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), will study at 63 universities in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa during the 2025/2026 academic cycle.

The latest cohort comprises 86 students from Kenya, 29 from Rwanda, four from Uganda and two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Collectively, the scholarships are expected to finance their undergraduate education.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Nairobi on Friday, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the programme seeks to equip young Africans with the skills and networks needed to address the continent’s development challenges.

“The continent’s next chapter of growth will be shaped by well-prepared, values-led talent. As you leave for global universities, remember you are carrying the dreams of your families and the expectations of our nations. Learn boldly, lead with integrity and return equipped with world-class knowledge, networks and confidence to build solutions that expand opportunity, competitiveness and shared prosperity across Africa,” he said.

European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek said the students had earned places at some of the world’s leading universities through a highly competitive process and encouraged them to make the most of the experience.

“Work hard, stay curious, push beyond your comfort zone and build friendships across cultures as you learn from the world around you as much as from the classroom. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary. Use every moment to grow and, when you return home, you will shine as leaders who drive transformation,” he said.

Twenty of this year’s scholars secured admission to Ivy League universities in the United States, bringing the cumulative number of Equity Leaders Program beneficiaries admitted to Ivy League institutions to 240.

Another 44 scholars have completed interviews for government-sponsored overseas scholarships and are awaiting final admission decisions. These include 23 candidates interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship and 21 for the Romania Government Scholarship.

Among the beneficiaries is Aime Iradukunda from Uganda, who will study Electrical Engineering and Economics at Harvard College after emerging as the top-performing male student in Mityana District in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations.

Recalling his journey, Iradukunda said he had applied to about 14 universities before receiving the admission that changed his life.

“I believed my chances of getting into Harvard were very slim, so when the acceptance letter came, I was in complete disbelief. This opportunity has made it possible for me to pursue a dream I once thought was beyond my reach,” he said.

Kenya’s Grace Sang’, a former Alliance Girls High School student who scored an A in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, will pursue Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi.

She said hearing former beneficiaries share their experiences while she was in secondary school inspired her to pursue international university opportunities.

“The college counselling programme helped me realise that my achievements, interests and personal story all had value. Through persistence, countless essays, revisions and determination, that dream became a reality. As I begin this new chapter, I hope my journey will encourage other young people to believe in their own potential,” she said.

The Equity Leaders Program combines mentorship, leadership development, paid internships and university application support for academically talented students. According to Equity Group Foundation, the initiative has so far enabled 1,236 scholars to secure admission and scholarships at 247 universities in 40 countries across six continents.