- Organisers have called on schools, universities, artists and professionals to submit projects across diverse talent areas for the WTC 2026 in Kisumu.
- Professor Humphrey Oborah has announced that the conference will begin its 21-Day Countdown on October 5, with free attendance but mandatory registration.
- Kisumu has prepared to host delegates, investors and stakeholders from October 26 to 30, positioning the city as a potential continental hub for talent and innovation.
Organisers for the World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026 have called on schools, TVET institutions, universities, artists, professionals and other talented Kenyans to submit projects for showcasing during the five-day international event.
The conference, scheduled for October 26 to 30 in Kisumu, will bring together talent, projects and innovations from different sectors under the theme “My Talent, My Brand!”
The African Talent University (TATU) in Kisumu Director, Professor Humphrey Oborah, who is the host of the event, said preparations will move into another phase on Monday, October 5, when the conference marks its official 21-Day Countdown at TATU in Kisumu.
Speaking in Kisumu, Oborah said the countdown activities are expected to bring together government officials, educational institutions, hospitality and transport operators, conference organisers and other stakeholders as the lakeside city prepares to receive delegates. “The WTC 2026 Secretariat has urged schools, colleges and universities not to restrict their submissions to conventional scientific and technological innovations,” he said.
According to Oborah, projects may come from virtually every area of human talent, including music, comedy, drama, film, fashion, beauty, culinary arts, sports, agriculture, media, engineering, health, climate action, entrepreneurship and community innovation. Individuals can also submit projects independently or as teams. “This is not a conference where talent means only science laboratories, computers and ICT innovations. We want to see musicians, comedians, actors, designers, chefs, sportspeople, beauticians, entrepreneurs and many other talented people bringing what they do best,” he said.
He also clarified that participation is not restricted to students. Teachers, lecturers, parents, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople and other adults with projects, enterprises or demonstrable talents are being encouraged to participate.
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Oborah said investors, donors, development organisations, professionals and other potential partners have been invited to interact with participants and examine projects that could attract financing, mentorship, partnerships, commercialisation or opportunities for expansion. This, he noted, is expected to turn the conference from a conventional gathering into a platform where talented people can demonstrate what they can do and potentially establish relationships capable of taking their projects to another level. “Do not come to WTC 2026 merely to listen; come with something to show the world,” he said.
He said projects do not necessarily have to be fully developed businesses or inventions, with creative productions, performances, prototypes, products and community solutions also eligible for presentation within the appropriate Talent Cohorts.
In a move expected to widen participation, Oborah announced that attendance at WTC 2026 will be absolutely free. Registration, he said, will nonetheless be mandatory to facilitate planning, security and management of the expected attendance.
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He said hotels, accommodation providers, transport operators, tour companies, restaurants, entertainment providers and other hospitality businesses have also been called upon to prepare for the conference, while security and medical agencies have been urged to make adequate preparations for the expected number of visitors.
Oborah said hosting the conference provides Kisumu with an opportunity to establish itself as a major continental centre for talent development, enterprise and innovation.
By Fredrick Odiero
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