Preparations for the inaugural World Talent Conference (WTC 2026) in Kisumu are in high gear, with more than 5,000 delegates expected to attend the five-day event.

The conference, scheduled for next week from October 26 to 30, will be hosted by the African Talent University (TATU) in partnership with the County Government of Kisumu and other strategic partners.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged young people to seize the opportunity to showcase their talents, foster innovation and entrepreneurship and establish international partnerships.

In a speech read on his behalf by County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Beatrice Odongo during a press briefing ahead of the conference, Nyong’o said the event would provide a platform for talent development and knowledge exchange.

“The conference provides an international platform for talent discovery, recognition, innovation, enterprise development, creative performances, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of human potential,” he said.

TATU founder Prof. Humphrey Oborah said that so far more than 3,000 participants had registered by Wednesday morning, with delegations expected from countries including Canada, China, Malaysia, India, England, Greece and South Africa.

Prof. Oborah said international delegates were expected to begin arriving on Friday ahead of the conference.

He added that participation would be free for those who successfully register, with activities available through both physical and virtual sessions.

Oborah also called for a shift in the education system, arguing that greater emphasis should be placed on nurturing learners’ talents rather than focusing solely on academic performance and certificates.

“For a long time in Africa, we have been made to believe that education is for the poor. We have been told that when you finish education, you get a certificate and then look for a job,” he remarked.

He said the conference seeks to change this mindset by encouraging people to recognize and develop their talents as a pathway to innovation, enterprise development and employment creation.

The World Talent Conference 2026 will showcase emerging musicians, comedians, fashion industry players, artisans and innovations in engineering and technology.

Exhibitions and performances will be held at designated venues across Kisumu, including the African Talent University compound, giving participants an opportunity to display their skills, exchange ideas and connect with potential partners from across the world.

By Robert Ojwang’