- The African Talent University in Kisumu is preparing to host the World Talent Conference 2026 from October 26 to 30.
- Organisers say the event will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes and investors under the theme “My Talent, My Brand”.
- The conference is also expected to showcase Kisumu’s tourism, hospitality, culture and business potential to international delegates.
The African Talent University (TATU) in Kisumu is scheduled to host the World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026 next month, with organisers promising delegates from across the globe an unforgettable experience.
Slated for October 26–30, 2026, the event will be held under the theme “My Talent, My Brand” and is being promoted as the first World Talent Conference to be hosted in Africa. The official conference website confirms Kisumu as the host city and lists the dates as October 26–30.
The conference is expected to go beyond conventional discussions by showcasing talent in action through exhibitions, innovation prototypes, performances, sports, business pitches and other practical demonstrations.
World Talent Federation Secretary General and TATU Founder Prof Humphrey Oborah said the countdown had officially begun.
“Today we mark 60 days to the event. We decided four years ago that since 1961 there has never been such a conference in Africa – it was time Africa hosted it,” Prof Oborah said.
He explained that Kenya was picked after a competitive process because of its facilities, resources and human capital.
“Kisumu bidded, debated and won after tough competition. It was chosen because it has the potential to provide latent abilities representative of all African cities,” he noted.
Prof Oborah added: “Africans have unique abilities that can change the world. This is their destiny to showcase them and make Kisumu Africa’s capital of talent.”
Kisumu County had earlier confirmed that the city won the hosting bid after a competitive process, beating other cities including Nairobi. Governor Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o officially unveiled Kisumu as host city in March 2024.
Talent to move from ideas to enterprise
Prof Oborah emphasised that WTC 2026 is not only an education and talent-development event but also an opportunity for Kisumu to showcase itself as a destination for conferences, tourism, investment, culture, hospitality and enterprise.
He took stakeholders through objectives, accreditation, accommodation readiness, transport and mobility, security coordination, customer service standards and ways local enterprises can tap into business opportunities linked to the event.
Recent preparations at TATU have involved players in hospitality, tourism, transport and the creative sector, with discussions focused on visitor experience, accommodation, transport, security and business linkages.
As the clock ticks towards October, Prof Oborah said Kisumu is not just preparing to host another conference, but to make history.
“From the sunset over Lake Victoria, to the beat of Bomba Night, to the innovations of young Africans ready to conquer the world – Kisumu is ready,” he said.
The don said the event would move talent beyond talk to tangible action through live project exhibitions, innovation prototypes, musical and theatrical performances, sports showcases, business pitches and practical solutions.
“Young prodigies, professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs and communities will get a rare chance to present investable ideas to international investors and venture capitalists – from children blessed with extraordinary senses of smell and taste, to athletes, footballers, poets, environmentalists, musicians and storytellers,” he said.
“Come witness, sample, savour, and enjoy in Africa,” organisers say.
Hospitality and tourism players prepare
The preparatory meeting at the TATU campus brought together hoteliers, tour operators, transporters and creatives who pledged to deliver a world-class experience.
Robert Oyoko, Secretary General of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association (LVTA), said the conference would provide a major boost to the Western Tourism Circuit.
“We highly welcome everyone to come and taste our unique nature. We have top-notch security, and our hoteliers, operators and even taxi drivers are ready to receive you warmly,” Oyoko said.
He added that stakeholders were committed to working closely with the WTC Secretariat, TATU and the County Government to ensure visitors experience the best of Kisumu and Western Kenya.
Annie Wanjiru, Operations and Business Development Manager at Waterbus, said the event would also offer delegates an opportunity to experience Lake Victoria.
“Talent is the new currency. Come to Kisumu and enjoy what it has to offer. This is where real talent is made of. We will give visitors the lake experience – a ravishing beauty, a sight to behold,” Wanjiru said.
Anola Sunday, Group Sales representative at Royal City Group of Hotels, said the event was expected to generate business for local enterprises.
“This conference is important because it will generate revenue for locals. We are looking forward to giving guests a great experience,” she said.
Joseph of Souvenir Safaris added: “I have travelled widely and Kisumu’s assets are unmatched. There is a lot to explore.”
Culture and conservation also in focus
Celebrated storyteller George Chunga, alias Kotiende Punglupangla Wojomariek, said Kisumu was rich in talent and creativity.
“This is where entertainment thrives. We shall be curating Bomba Night – a night of fireside storytelling, music, dance and a taste of African cuisine,” Chunga said.
On conservation, Kennedy Kinyua Njoki, Assistant Warden with the Kenya Wildlife Service, said WTC 2026 would help open up the Western Conservation Area to more visitors.
“Kisumu Impala Sanctuary offers wildlife, bird watching, sunset sundowners and camping. We welcome delegates to an abundance of wild experience,” he said.
Stakeholders committed themselves to working closely with the WTC 2026 Secretariat, TATU, Kisumu County Government and other partners to ensure visitors receive a warm welcome and experience the best of Kisumu and the wider Western Kenya region.
As the countdown gathers momentum, Kisumu is preparing not merely to host another international conference, but to demonstrate how talent can be discovered, developed, professionalised and transformed into innovation, enterprise, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
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Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o is expected to officially launch the 30-day countdown as preparations enter the final stretch.
By Fredrick Odiero
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