Mombasa’s Top KCSE Students Join Prestigious Equity Leaders Program

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewpaper@gmail.com

Twelve high-achieving students from Mombasa County who excelled in last year’s (2025) Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have earned a place in the 2026 cohort of the highly competitive Equity Leaders Program (ELP).

The beneficiaries, drawn from leading schools across the county, are part of a national intake of 733 scholars selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.

Among them is Sophia Sharif, who scored a B+ (79 points) and now hopes to pursue software engineering at university.

According to her the program will give her the support and mentorship needed to turn her passion for technology into practical solutions for society.

Also selected is Derrick Odhiambo, a former Alliance Boys High School student who attained an A and dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer.

Overwhelmed with joy, Odhiambo described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity.

“My dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer will now come true because of this scholarship. Being selected motivates me to work even harder and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.”

Yvonne Wanjiru, an alumna of Mama Ngina Girls High School who scored a B−, also celebrated her selection, saying she intends to study Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

She noted that her desire to pursue medicine is driven by a passion to serve and improve lives through healthcare.

“I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Studying medicine will allow me to give back to society by offering professional health services,” she said.

The scholars were officially flagged off during a ceremony held at Equity Bank’s Moi Avenue Branch in Mombasa, ahead of joining their peers from across the country for the program’s leadership and mentorship training.

Speaking during the ceremony, Moi Claude Kililo, Equity Bank Digo Road Branch Manager, said the Equity Leaders Program was a key pillar in the bank’s long-term commitment to education and leadership development.

“This flag-off reaffirms Equity’s commitment to transforming lives and communities through education. Through the Equity Leaders Program, we are investing in young people with talent, discipline, and strong values to become ethical leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers for Kenya and the continent,” Kililo said.

The Equity Leaders Program continues to play a critical role in empowering bright but needy students, opening doors to higher education while shaping future leaders equipped to drive national and regional development.