Cape Media CEO Mwenda Njoka has challenged Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars heading to universities across the world to build their journeys on integrity, meaningful relationships, curiosity and resilience, urging them to take initiative and remain committed to creating impact.
Speaking during the Equity Group Foundation Education and Leadership Congress at Alliance Girls High School, Kikuyu, Kiambu County, Njoka told the scholars that success is not achieved alone and encouraged them to build networks through every engagement while nurturing relationships that can create opportunities in future.
“As long as your conscience is clear and you know you are doing what is right, keep going. Ultimately, your integrity, consistency and commitment will pay off. Build your network through every engagement. Connect with people and nurture those relationships, you never know when they may become valuable in the future. No one succeeds alone; the relationships you build today can open doors and create opportunities tomorrow,” Njoka said.
He also urged the scholars to remain curious and take initiative in solving problems, noting that curiosity can be a stronger driver of impact than credentials.
“Curiosity, not credentials, is the real driver of impact. As long as you maintain your curiosity, you will continue to learn, innovate and create solutions. Do not wait to be appointed a leader before taking the initiative to solve a problem,” he said.
Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Managing Director & CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, urged the scholars to use the opportunities before them to develop skills and create solutions that respond to challenges facing their communities and the continent.
“At Equity Group Foundation, we are truly excited to have supported this cohort of more than 60,000 scholars. Our goal is to give every scholar an equal opportunity to realise their potential, regardless of their circumstances. For 17 years, it has been a journey of great fulfilment, walking alongside scholars and witnessing their growth and transformation,” Dr. Mwangi said.
He encouraged the scholars to embrace science and technology not merely as consumers but as tools for creating solutions, noting that an opportunity only opens a door while the choices, skills and problems one chooses to solve ultimately determine its impact.
Amb. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya, said partnerships that invest in young people are critical to building human potential, strengthening communities and shaping the country’s future.
“Through the KfW partnership with Equity Group Foundation, thousands of young Kenyans have been empowered to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential. We support this programme because we believe that investing in young people is one of the best investments a country can make in its human potential, strengthening individuals, communities and the nation’s future,” Amb. Groth said.
He said the programme’s impact extends beyond academic achievement by helping shape responsible citizens and ethical leaders, noting that more than 60,000 scholars have benefited from comprehensive secondary school scholarships, with a 98% completion rate.
Mr. Jeremiah Kipaiyu, Kikuyu Sub-County Director of Education in Kiambu County, said the scholarship programmes were creating pathways for learners to pursue their aspirations.
“Equity Group Foundation, together with other partners, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to provide scholarships that open doors of opportunity for learners. We believe these programmes are a lifeline through which their dreams can take flight, giving them the support, confidence and opportunities they need to soar towards a brighter future,” Kipaiyu said.
The remarks came barely a week after 121 ELP scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured admission to leading global universities, with comprehensive financial scholarships valued at KSh2.79 billion for the four-year duration of their studies.
Beyond secondary education, the Equity Leaders Program has supported 10,505 university scholars across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, while 1,236 scholars have secured admission to leading global universities on fully funded scholarships, including Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Education and Leadership Congress brought together 4,949 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship scholars across Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi from August 10 to 14 under the theme “Lead, Solve, Sustain: Turning Challenges into Solutions.”
The programme focused on leadership, life skills, resilience, ethical leadership, community service, university readiness and career preparation.
