Kenyan students could soon have a new pathway to some of Europe’s top universities after the European Union (EU) and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) signed a partnership agreement that will see 100 scholars annually pursue master’s degrees in Europe.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 11, aims to expand access to global education opportunities for high-performing students through Equity’s leadership and scholarship programmes.
“The European Union Delegation to Kenya and the Equity Group Foundation have entered a partnership aimed at expanding access to quality education, strengthening human capital development, and widening global learning opportunities for high-achieving students in Kenya and across the region,” read part of the statement sent to the press.
”The programme targets sending 100 Equity scholars annually to European universities for master’s degree programmes, creating a structured pathway for talented young Africans to access world-class education, research opportunities and international exposure.”
Equity, EU Launch Deal to Send 100 Kenyan Students to Europe on Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships Annually
Under the arrangement, Equity Group and the EU will work together to connect beneficiaries of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) with universities across Europe, providing them with opportunities for advanced study, research, and international exposure.
The deal was signed by European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger and Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr James Mwangi in the presence of Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr Beatrice Inyangala and Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak.
According to the partners, the programme will create a structured route for talented students from Kenya and other African countries to access world-class education while strengthening links between African and European academic institutions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ambassador Geiger said the partnership aligns with the EU’s goal of promoting quality education and human capital development.
“The Equity Group Foundation, through its Wings to Fly and Equity Leaders Program, is an ideal partner for us, with our shared objectives of promoting access to quality education, holistic development and intercultural exchanges as a key driver of growth and human capital development,” she said.
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Equity Bank CEO Mwangi Hails Partnership as Gateway to Global Education Opportunities
James Mwangi described the agreement as a significant step towards building globally competitive leaders through education.
“While our initial model focused on supporting students through public universities and structured internships, we are now deliberately diversifying global pathways for our scholars. This partnership builds on that journey,” he said.
He added that the partnership reflects Equity’s shift towards expanding international education opportunities for scholars beyond traditional study destinations.
Mwangi noted that the initiative is designed to give students greater access to global academic institutions, research opportunities and international networks that can help develop globally competitive leaders.
According to him, the collaboration will also strengthen educational ties between Africa and Europe by promoting knowledge exchange, leadership development and cross-cultural connections.
On her part, Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr Inyangala welcomed the agreement, saying it would provide students and researchers with greater access to international education and emerging technologies.
“Partnerships such as this create invaluable opportunities for our students, researchers and academics to access world-class education, advanced research and international exposure,” she said.
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Partnership Builds on Kenya’s Strong Erasmus+ Track Record
The partnership builds on Kenya’s strong participation in the Erasmus+ programme, the EU’s flagship education initiative.
Every year, about 600 Kenyan students and academics travel to more than 30 European countries through Erasmus+ exchanges, while around 300 European academics visit Kenyan universities.
Since 2017, Kenyan institutions have participated in 38 Erasmus+ capacity-building projects, making Kenya one of the programme’s most active partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Equity Leaders Program, established in 1998, has become one of Africa’s leading talent development initiatives. The programme has helped more than 1,206 scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo secure fully funded admission to leading universities worldwide.
In addition, ELP has facilitated more than 10,500 paid internships, helping students gain workplace experience and improve their career prospects.
