Christine Kagendo 
Equity Bank has committed Kshs. 25 million to support this year’s Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at all levels; national, regional, county, and sub-county.
This partnership aligns with lenders’ belief that education and arts play a crucial role in societal transformation.
Speaking during the partnership launch ceremony at Muhuri Muchiri High School in Ruai, Nairobi, Ministry of Education’s Head of Directorate Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities, Nelson Sifuna, lauded Equity Bank for sponsoring the festivals saying, “We are gathered here to witness a momentous occasion.
While others prefer to sponsor at the national level, Equity Bank begins at the grassroots, a testament to their commitment.”
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, stated, “This moment is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the immense potential that lies within our young people.
At Equity Bank, we believe that education is the cornerstone of societal transformation.”
The festival, themed “Liberating Technology to Nurture Talent while Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity,” provides a platform for young creatives to express themselves while sharpening their skills.
“We are proud to reward outstanding schools, trainers, and participants with certificates, trophies, and cash prizes, fostering a future where creative talents thrive and become self-sustainable,” added Mr Nyabanda.
Equity has been championing the Kenyan student affairs and education by sponsoring various initiatives,its core subsidiary the Equity Foudation has been spear headimg the Wings to Fly initive for years now.
The scholars receive mentorship and coaching from globally experienced and accomplished professionals with diverse skills to deepen their knowledge before they settle on what careers to pursue and what to study.
Dieume Baraka, a former student of Starehe Boys Centre who achieved an A (Plain) in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Elimu Scholarship Program, shared his journey, “Coming from a background marked by unimaginable hardship, I have always believed that education is the key to a brighter future.
Despite the many challenges I faced, whether it was living in refugee camps, enduring displacement, or struggling with the basic needs for my education, I remained focused on my dream of bringing change to my community.
Being selected for the Equity Leaders Program is a tremendous opportunity, and I am excited to be part of a program that will not only provide me with valuable skills but also equip me with the leadership tools I need to create a more peaceful and united world.
I hope to study a course at university, to better understand and contribute to the healing of my community and beyond.”
Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former student of Parklands Arya Girls Secondary School who achieved an A- (Minus) in the 2024 KCSE, highlighted, “This is a great opportunity that Equity has provided us through the Equity Leaders Program, and I am truly grateful for the chance to be part of it.
The two weeks of leadership mentorship have been incredible, particularly the interactions with the Bank’s leadership and the insightful mentors.
I’m really looking forward to the six-month internship, where I hope to learn more from experienced colleagues, grow as an individual, and expand my world view as I prepare to join university. I am excited for the future and ready to use the lessons learned here to make a positive impact.”
Elema Badaqe Duba, a former student of Makueni Boys High School who achieved an A- (Minus) in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Wings to Fly program, stated, “Growing up in Marsabit as the firstborn in a family of seven, I faced immense challenges, including sleeping outside due to the high temperatures and walking long distances to school. Despite these hardships, I remained determined to excel academically.
What inspired me to work hard is my deep desire to provide for my family and lift them out of poverty.
Being selected for the Equity Leaders Program is a dream come true, and I am eager to use this opportunity to gain the skills and leadership experience that will help me achieve my goal of transforming my family’s life and contributing to my community’s development.”
