Kisumu is set to host the inaugural World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026, bringing together talent developers, entrepreneurs, innovators and other delegates from around the world.
The conference, organised by the African Talent University Campus (TATU), will take place from 26 to 30 October under the theme, “My Talent, My Brand”.
The organisers say it will be the first World Talent Conference to be held on African soil since 1961.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the TATU campus, World Talent Federation Secretary General and TATU founder Prof Humphrey Oborah said Kenya had been selected following a competitive bidding process.
“Since 1961 there has never been such a conference in Africa. It was time Africa hosted it,” Prof Oborah said.
He said Kisumu was chosen because of its facilities, resources and human capital, adding that the city had the potential to showcase talent from across the continent.
The conference is expected to combine discussions on talent development with exhibitions, innovation demonstrations, music, theatre, sport and business pitches.
Oganisers also hope to connect young people, professionals and entrepreneurs with investors and venture capitalists.
Prof Oborah said the event would also provide an opportunity for Kisumu to promote its tourism, hospitality, culture and business sectors.
Local tourism and hospitality stakeholders attending the meeting said they were preparing to receive visitors and showcase attractions in Kisumu and the wider western Kenya region.
Robert Oyoko, Secretary General of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association, said the conference would provide a boost to the Western Tourism Circuit.
“We highly welcome everyone to come and taste our unique nature,” he said, adding that hotels, tour operators and taxi operators were preparing for the event.
Annie Wanjiru, Operations and Business Development Manager at Waterbus, said the conference would give visitors an opportunity to experience Lake Victoria.
Hotel operators also said they expected the event to generate business for local communities.
Kisumu’s creative sector is preparing cultural activities, including Bomba Night, featuring storytelling, music, dance and African cuisine.
Storyteller George Chunga, also known as Kotiende Punglupangla Wojomariek, said the event would highlight the city’s creative talent.
The Kenya Wildlife Service is also expected to promote attractions such as the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, where visitors can take part in wildlife viewing, bird watching, camping and sunset activities.
Stakeholders said they would work with the WTC secretariat, TATU and the Kisumu County Government on accommodation, transport, security, customer service and other arrangements.
The organisers say the conference is intended to promote the development of talent into innovation, businesses, jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o is expected to officially launch the 30-day countdown to the conference as preparations enter their final stage.
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