Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, has reiterated the critical importance of digital literacy and future-ready skills in shaping the next generation of leaders.
In a series of impactful addresses at two of Kenya’s leading academic institutions, Alliance High School and The Kenya High School, Dr. Mwangi passionately urged young people to embrace technology as a transformative force for individual and societal advancement.
His engagements commenced at Alliance High School during their Prize Giving Day, where students were celebrated for their outstanding academic performance, which saw the school ranked first nationally in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Exams. Addressing the young men, Dr. Mwangi articulated Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “game-changing force” capable of solving complex challenges and improving systems.
Dr Mwangi delivered a stark warning and a powerful call to action saying, “AI may not replace humans, but individuals who are skilled in AI will undoubtedly replace those who are not. In the near future, AI will become a fundamental competency required across nearly every profession.”
The CEO also emphasized the need for students to position themselves as creators and innovators, urging them to take a special interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
Alliance High’s Chief Principal, David Chomba, lauded Equity Group’s transformative work, particularly highlighting the success of initiatives like Wings to Fly, the Equity Leaders Program (which saw 21 students from the school join last year), and the pre-university initiative, stating, “Through your flagship initiatives such as Wings to Fly, you’ve reached thousands of families and supported learners through school and into the workforce. We also deeply appreciate the Equity Leaders Program… Thank you for inspiring our children to become impactful contributors to society.”
Continuing his engagement with the nation’s brightest minds, Dr. Mwangi then addressed over 1,500 students at The Kenya High School during their annual Prize Giving Day. Here, he broadened his message to encompass the cultivation of diverse digital skills for global competitiveness.
“Technology is reshaping every sector of the economy. Learn skills such as coding, data analysis and digital communication. These will set you apart and open doors to emerging job markets,” he advised the students.
He also challenged the girls to remain focused and strive to be “women of substance in society” and congratulated the award recipients, including 69 students who scored Grade A in the KCSE exams, and reminded Wings to Fly program beneficiaries of potential internship opportunities upon excelling in their academics. Dr Mwangi consistently stressed the importance of hard work, resilience, and self-belief, urging students to set clear goals and make purposeful actions.
The Kenya High School Chief Principal, Virginia Wahome, expressed profound gratitude for Dr. Mwangi’s invaluable contributions to education, acknowledging the life-changing opportunities provided through the Wings to Fly program.
She stated, “Some of you have received opportunities from Equity; opportunities others only dream of. They pay your school fees, provide personal essentials and even offer direct employment if you excel. Make the most of this chance.”
Across both institutions, Dr. Mwangi, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the Equity Group Foundation, reiterated the necessity of developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy. He encouraged students to nurture these skills by asking meaningful questions and seeking thoughtful solutions, while also embracing adaptability and a mindset of lifelong learning.
The CEO, a globally respected thought leader, is regularly invited to inspire students in Kenya and worldwide. He guest lectures at top institutions including Lagos Business School, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, IESE and Stanford, where the Equity Bank model is studied. Through programs like Wings to Fly and the Equity Leaders Program, he has empowered over 60,000 underprivileged students with education and mentorship. His work motivates learners and demonstrates education’s role in driving socio-economic change, shaping leaders and uplifting communities locally and globally.