Students urged to embrace innovation and dual training

Beneficiaries of the Elimu Scholarships attending the workshop on August 17, 2025. [Courtesy] Students benefiting from scholarship programmes have been called upon to embrace technology, innovation, and dual courses as they prepare to enter a highly competitive labour market. Joseph Ochura, Teachers Service Commission Director for Turkana West, said the evolving world of work demands creativity, adaptability, and practical skills from learners. Speaking during the 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress in Dadaab, Ochura reminded students that academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. "With the emerging technological advancements, you are required to be innovative in your studies. While out of school, ensure you find time to put into practice what you learn so that it can be helpful in the near future," he said. Hassan Mohamed, Principal of Dadaab Secondary School, urged scholars to embrace innovation not only in the classroom but also in their everyday lives, stressing that they must be problem-solvers."The current labour market requires you to embrace innovation and creativity so that you can meet the demands of employers. Taking dual courses, especially in technology-driven fields, will give you an edge," he said. The two-day regional mentorship event brought together 4,404 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars in secondary and tertiary institutions. Through interactive plenary sessions, learners engaged with corporate leaders, academics, clergy, and government officials gaining exposure to critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Under Equity Group Foundation's innovation pillar, learners are introduced to real-world opportunities in technology. The Tech Apprenticeship Program has already given 415 alumni hands-on experience in fields such as HealthTech, AgTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech. Partnerships with global firms like Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS ensure that young scholars acquire cutting-edge skills to meet the demands of the digital economy. This year's congress, held during the August school holidays, also brought together 3,402 students from refugee camps in Dadaab and Kakuma. The event's theme, "The Innovation Generation: Igniting Ideas, Creating Impact" underscored the need for youth to see themselves not just as students, but as future innovators, leaders, and change-makers. Samuel John Ipasso, Sub County Director of Education in Northeastern Kenya, highlighted the holistic approach of the programme."Equity Group Foundation's mentorship model is transformative. It doesn't just prepare students for careers, but cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership needed to solve Africa's most pressing challenges," he said. Since inception, Equity Group Foundation's scholarship programmes have benefitted more than 60,000 bright but needy students across Kenya. The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) has secured 1,098 international university placements for scholars, with 128 more joining prestigious institutions abroad this year alone. The initiative has also facilitated 9,700 paid internships, supported nearly 4,000 TVET scholars, and grown to a network of 29,515 young leaders in the region. EGF Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the scholarships go far beyond financial aid, shaping well-rounded leaders of tomorrow."We are cultivating more than scholars; we are developing a movement of purpose-driven leaders who will redefine Kenya's future. Our model intertwines world-class education, mentorship, and strong ethical values to create true agents of change," Mwangi said in remarks delivered on his behalf by Equity Bank's Director of Legal, Waweru Mathenge.

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