KISUMU, 4 Sept 2026 – Excitement is building in the lakeside city as hospitality, tourism and transport stakeholders step up final preparations for the inaugural World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026, promising delegates from across the globe an unforgettable Kisumu experience.
Slated for 26th – 30th October 2026 under the theme “My Talent, My Brand,” the week-long global showpiece will be the first of its kind on African soil since 1961. More than a conference, it will be a live showcase of talent turned into enterprise.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o is expected to officially launch the 30-Day Countdown as preparations enter the final stretch.
It will 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.
“Come witness, sample, savour, and enjoy in Africa,” organizers say.
Speaking during a stakeholders preparatory meeting at the African Talent University Campus (TATU), the Secretary General of the World Talent Federation and TATU Founder, Prof. Humphrey Oborah, said the countdown has 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 rigorous bidding process because it has the facilities, resources and human capital to host a conference of such magnitude.
“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.”
The meeting brought together hoteliers, tour operators, transporters and creatives who vowed to deliver a world-class experience.
Robert Oyoko, Secretary General of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association (LVTA), said the conference will be a major boost for 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 assured.
He added that they are 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, Waterbus, said: “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.”
On her part, Anola Sunday, Group Sales, Royal City Group of Hotels, noted: “This conference is important because it will generate revenue for locals. We are looking forward to giving guests a great experience.”
Joseph of Souvenir Safaris (TOSC) added: “I have traveled widely and Kisumu’s assets are unmatched. There is a lot to explore.”
Celebrated storyteller George Chunga alias Kotiende Punglupangla Wojomariek said Kisumu is the home of 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, Kenya Wildlife Service, said WTC 2026 will open up the Western Conservation Area.
“Kisumu Impala Sanctuary offers wildlife, bird watching, sunset sundowners and camping. We welcome delegates to an abundance of wild experience,” he said.
Prof Oborah took stakeholders through objectives, accreditation, accommodation readiness, transport and mobility, security coordination, customer service standards and how local enterprises can tap into business linkages.
As the clock ticks to October, Kisumu is not just preparing to host another conference – it is preparing 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.
