Everybody in Kenya is familiar with the Equity Groups transformative impact in Kenya and East Africa through its airlifts of thousands of bright students to study in the best universities in the world.
But that is just half of the transformation story. The bigger story is how the group through its Equity Leaders Program (ELP) has become as a transformative force in shaping Kenya’s youth into global leaders, propelling them onto the international stage with significant impact across various sectors.
The program has not only been a driving force in educational advancement but also in fostering a generation of leaders who are excelling in foreign countries, demonstrating the program’s ability to transcend borders and elevate Kenya’s global standing.
Take the success stories of Agnes Nyaboke and Perez Ogayo as case studies. The two brilliant young Kenyan women are excelling in foreign countries because of the program’s vision of creating globally competitive leaders, making remarkable contributions in fields such as business, technology, academia, healthcare, and innovation, becoming ambassadors of Kenya’s talent and potential.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)’s global data strategy leading Agnes Nyaboke who is an ELP alumniLets look at Agnes’ story. Hers is a success story that starts at Kabula Primary School in Bungoma County going onto to earn a master’s in data science at the University of Edinburgh, and now leading global data strategy at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
Her work in data science has enhanced decision-making in the commerce industry and is crucial in addressing critical challenges in Africa’s finance landscape, such as improving digital financial inclusion.
This aligns with Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which emphasizes digital innovation and financial inclusion to boost Africa’s economic health.
In her current role at CIBC, Agnes collaborates with a diverse set of teams, including Enterprise Data Technology, CIBC Innovation Banking, and Capital Markets Technology, to revolutionize the sector.
Reflecting on her journey, Agnes says, “Africa needs to come together and champion one vision. I am deeply grateful to the Equity Leadership Program for their unwavering support in providing me with the education and opportunities necessary to excel globally and contribute to Africa’s collective progress.”
Recognized as a rising star, she serves as the second in command to the Vice President of the Enterprise Data team, leading a talented group in driving data strategy and innovation, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to technological advancement.
Lets now turn of Perez inspiring story. Currently working in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning at Oracle as a Software Engineer, Perez is significantly contributing to the field of AI, which is crucial in transforming how industries interact with digital systems. Her work has the potential of benefiting Africa, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and customer service, where AI-driven solutions can bridge gaps in access and efficiency.
Her key achievements include contributing to over 15 scientific papers, presenting her research in five countries, winning the best student research work award during her Master’s program, graduating as the top student in her Computer Science class, and completing a transformative internship at Goldman Sachs in London.
“The Equity Leadership Program has been instrumental in my journey, opening doors to global opportunities that have shaped my expertise in technology,” Perez shares. “What excites me most is the potential to bring these innovations back home, where technology can drive real impact.”
Perez is a true representation of how African scholars can contribute to and influence future technological trends.
The Equity Leaders Program has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for Kenya’s youth, empowering them to make a global impact. As more ELP beneficiaries excel in foreign countries, their achievements reflect the broader value of investing in youth as a means of enhancing Kenya’s global influence and economic reach. By fostering leadership, innovation, and global networks, the ELP continues to be a catalyst for progress, elevating individuals and ultimately the communities and societies that have raised them.