By GEOFREY KASERA: Students joining The Africa Talent University (TATU) will now be eligible to access government financial support through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), institution founder Prof Humphrey Obora has announced.

Speaking during a press briefing, Prof Obora revealed that the talent-focused institution has officially been listed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), enabling eligible secondary school leavers nationwide to select TATU for degree programs and secure government funding.

TATU stands out as Africa’s pioneer university centered on talent-based higher education. Having already held its inaugural graduation ceremony, where talented Kenyans were awarded Bachelor’s degrees based on their specialized skills, the institution aligns directly with the nation’s ongoing educational transition toward Competency-Based Education (CBC).

Prof Obora pointed out that many of the country’s most gifted craftspeople, artists, and builders are routinely locked out of lucrative economic opportunities simply because they lack formal academic credentials.

“This is the only institution that offers enough space for learners to study based on their talents, subscribing directly to the CBC framework currently taking shape in Kenya. We have seen the best artists, painters, masons, and crafters do wonderful work, but they are disadvantaged when bidding for government tenders because of academic papers. That is the exact gap we seek to bridge.”

Affordable tuition

Compared to traditional public and private universities that charge hefty tuition fees, TATU offers an affordable rate of Sh47,000 per semester. The university currently has an active enrollment of 389 students pursuing various practical and creative programs.

To raise public awareness and drive local enrollment, the institution has scheduled a major event in Western Kenya.

“On August 14, we shall hold a re-launch that will bring together Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, the County Commissioner, KUCCPS representatives, and key stakeholders to drive this campaign home so locals can fully benefit,” Prof Obora added.

With official KUCCPS placement and HELB backing now secured, TATU is positioning itself as a vital pathway for practical skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion.