47 Machakos Students Selected for Prestigious 2026 Equity Leaders Program

A total of 47 students from Machakos County have been selected to join the 2026 cohort of the prestigious Equity Leaders Program (ELP), reaffirming Equity Group’s commitment to nurturing young, ethical, and transformative leaders.

Speaking during a ceremony held outside the Machakos Equity Branch, the Branch Manager Hellen Muthoki officially flagged off  scholars who are part of the 2026 cohort. The scholars will join over 700 peers from across the country for a two-week induction training at Kasarani, Nairobi, before being deployed to various Equity Bank branches for internship placements.

Ms. Muthoki said the Equity Leaders Program is a strategic investment in young people with exceptional talent, discipline, and strong values, aimed at shaping ethical leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers for Kenya and the global community.

“Through the Equity Leaders Program, we are deliberately investing in young people with the capacity to become ethical leaders, innovators, and agents of change both locally and globally,” said Ms. Muthoki.

She noted that Equity Group has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to transforming the lives of youth and communities through education and leadership development. The ELP leadership development model, she explained, focuses on personal and professional growth, global exposure, creativity, innovation, and community engagement.

Ms. Muthoki emphasized that the selected scholars represent the future generation of doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers, who will not only transform their own lives but also uplift entire communities.

She further revealed that the program has so far supported 22,009 beneficiaries through secondary education and enabled 4,039 Wings to Fly alumni to successfully transition beyond secondary education.

Through its post-secondary pathways, Ms. Muthoki added, the program continues to align education with labour market needs, particularly within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and university education. Currently, 33 per cent of beneficiaries pursue IT-related courses, 31 per cent are enrolled in science and engineering disciplines, while the rest are spread across agriculture, environmental science, hospitality, tourism, and other fields.

The event was also attended by Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Education, Dr. Consolata Mutisya, who represented Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

Dr. Mutisya paid glowing tribute to Equity Group for its unwavering support for education and human capital development.

She urged the beneficiaries to excel in their university studies as a way of reciprocating the bank’s investment in their education, and encouraged them to choose courses aligned with current and future market demands.

Dr. Mutisya also appealed to other stakeholders to emulate Equity Group by supporting bright but needy students from humble backgrounds, noting that education remains a powerful tool for social and economic transformation.

The Equity Leaders Program (ELP), established in 1998, is Equity Group’s flagship initiative aimed at empowering academically gifted youth through access to higher education and structured leadership development. To date, the program has benefited 10,505 university scholars across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

NLP PARTY LEADER REJECTS KALONZO’S APPOINTMENT AS AZIMIO PARTY LEADER, CITES LACK OF CONSULTATION

National Liberal Party (NLP) Party Leader Augustus Muli has rejected the appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as the new Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party Leader, arguing that the process was unilateral, opaque, and excluded key coalition partners.

In a strongly worded statement, Augustus Muli said Azimio constituent parties — including the NLP — were not consulted prior to the announcement, despite being recognized members of the coalition. He warned that sidelining partner parties in critical decisions risks weakening the coalition’s unity and credibility.

“In the absence of transparency, inclusivity, and formal ratification by all coalition partners, this purported appointment is procedurally flawed, illegitimate, and therefore NULL AND VOID. No offence to Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka,” said Augustus Muli.

The NLP leader underscored that Azimio la Umoja One Kenya is a coalition of more than 20 political parties brought together through shared principles and formal agreements that emphasize collective decision-making.

“Azimio is a coalition of over 20 constituent political parties, all of which must be consulted and involved in any appointments,” he stated, adding that leadership changes cannot be imposed without consensus.

Augustus Muli further demanded accountability from the coalition’s top organs, questioning the legitimacy of the meeting that allegedly sanctioned Kalonzo Musyoka’s appointment.

“Who appointed him? In what meeting was this decision made? Who convened that meeting and who attended it?” he asked, insisting that the coalition must disclose official minutes, attendance lists, and resolutions to validate the decision.

The NLP Party Leader was responding to an announcement that the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party’s National Executive Committee and Council, chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, had appointed Kalonzo Musyoka as the coalition’s new Party Leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

While maintaining that his objection is not personal, Muli clarified that the issue at hand is institutional integrity and respect for coalition governance structures.

“This is not about personalities. It is about procedure, legitimacy, and respect for all partners who form this coalition,” he noted.

Muli cautioned that failure to address concerns raised by constituent parties could deepen internal divisions within Azimio at a time when the opposition is expected to provide strong oversight and a united political front. 

Mwengi Mutuse Calls for Unity, Development as Women Empowerment Drive Lights Up Kisayani Market

Kibwezi West MP Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, OGW, has reiterated that Kenyans desire leaders who are committed to development, empowerment, and national unity, not those who thrive on tribalism and division.

Speaking at Kisayani Market in Kikumbulyu North Ward during a major women empowerment drive, Hon. Mutuse told thousands of women and wananchi that the future of Kenya lies in inclusive leadership that delivers tangible results at the grassroots.

“The people of Kenya want leaders with a clear development agenda—leaders who unite the nation and empower wananchi, especially women,” said Hon. Mutuse amid cheers from the crowd.

The empowerment drive attracted massive attendance and focused on uplifting women through economic support and community-based initiatives, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Beneficiaries praised the initiative, terming it impactful and life-changing for families and small businesses.

Hon. Mutuse expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for standing with the women of Kibwezi West and supporting empowerment programs that directly improve livelihoods.

“I thank President William Ruto for standing with my women during this empowerment drive. This is leadership that truly impacts lives,” he noted.

The event was attended by several national leaders, including Sir Farouk Kibet, Hon. Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Hon. John Bwire (Taveta), Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi South), Hon. Mohammed Barrow (Garissa Town), and Hon. Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igambang’ombe)—symbolizing unity across regions.

Residents of Kikumbulyu North welcomed the leaders with enthusiasm, pledging continued support for development-focused leadership.

“Asanteni sana, Kikumbulyu North, for your love and support. You are amazing people,” Hon. Mutuse said as chants of “Two Terms!” filled the market, signaling strong backing for President William Ruto and Hon. Mwengi Mutuse.

The Kisayani empowerment drive reaffirmed Hon. Mutuse’s commitment to people-centered leadership and his resolve to continue delivering development and empowerment across Kibwezi West.

Over 12,000 Students Benefit as Kibwezi West MP Issues KSh 78.1 Million in Bursaries

More than 12,000 students across Kibwezi West Constituency are set to benefit from education bursaries after area Member of Parliament, Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, presided over the issuance of cheques worth KSh 78.1 million.

The bursaries will cater for learners in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, easing the financial burden on parents and guardians amid rising education costs.

Speaking during the event held at Kalungu Secondary School, Hon. Mutuse said his administration has fully funded all day secondary school students in the constituency, ensuring that parents will only contribute KSh 500 from the official government fee structure.

“This intervention is meant to ensure that no child is sent home due to lack of school fees. Education remains the strongest equaliser, and we are determined to support every learner,” said the MP.

In line with President William Ruto’s directive on 100 percent transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the MP further announced that his office has committed to fully support all local students reporting to Grade 10 day schools within Kibwezi West, regardless of their financial status.

Hon. Mutuse noted that beyond infrastructure development and financial support, improved academic performance must remain a priority. He challenged school principals and teachers to match the heavy investments made by the constituency with better results.

“Investment in infrastructure, school buses, laboratories, and bursaries will be meaningless if learners do not post good results for reasons that can be addressed by teachers and other stakeholders,” he said.

To enhance performance, the MP revealed plans to convene a meeting with all secondary school principals in the constituency within the next two weeks to deliberate on strategies for improving academic outcomes.

He also commended Deputy County Commissioners from Nzaui, Makindu, and Kibwezi, alongside other National Government Administrative Officers and security agencies, for their efforts in ensuring students report to school as part of the 100 percent transition initiative.

The legislator further thanked education stakeholders and teacher unions, including KNUT, KUPPET, KESSHA, and KEPSHA, for their continued collaboration and support.

Hon. Mutuse expressed appreciation to Kalungu Secondary School for hosting the event and lauded parents for their cooperation and trust.

PS Teresia Mbaika Signals Expansion of Aviation Training as JKIA Upgrade Nears

The government is set to scale up aviation skills training and student accommodation capacity in anticipation of increased demand following the planned modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika has said.

Speaking on Wednesday at East Africa School of Aviation ( EASA) , PS Mbaika noted that the JKIA upgrade will position Kenya as a stronger regional aviation hub, creating new employment and business opportunities that will require a larger pool of highly skilled aviation professionals.

“The modernisation of JKIA will unlock more business opportunities and generate additional jobs across the aviation value chain,” she said, adding that training institutions must be adequately equipped to meet industry needs.

As part of the expansion strategy, the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development has opened talks with the Affordable Housing Board for the development of Phase One student hostels at the East Africa School of Aviation (EASA), expected to accommodate 450 students.

PS Mbaika said the government will also support continued investment in modern training technology, including advanced simulation facilities, to ensure Kenyan aviation graduates meet global regulatory, safety, and security standards.

The policy direction comes amid growing demand for specialised aviation skills, with engineers and pilots from Kenya Airways, Safarilink, Tropic Air, Air Kenya, ALS, and Skyward currently undertaking refresher programmes on quality assurance and flight procedure design under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

She further emphasised the importance of gender inclusion, saying deliberate efforts will be made to encourage more young women to pursue careers in aviation, particularly in technical fields.

Kenya’s aviation training landscape has gained international recognition, with EASA holding Platinum Training Centre of Excellence status under the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading aviation training hub in the region.

The government believes that strengthening aviation training institutions will be critical to supporting ongoing infrastructure upgrades and sustaining long-term growth in the sector.