The lakeside city of Kisumu will host thousands of international delegates for the World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026, running from October 26 to 30.

Ahead of the high-profile event, local stakeholders in the hospitality, tourism, and transport sectors met at The African Talent University (TATU) to evaluate readiness and ensure seamless coordination.

Addressing the gathering, World Talent Federation Secretary-General and TATU Founder, Humphrey Oborah, emphasized that the conference extends far beyond education and talent development.

“Since 1961, there has neve been such a conference and Kisumu was chosen, based on merit, to host the Africa’s first conference,” noted Prof Obora.

He noted it is a prime opportunity for Kisumu to position itself as a premier destination for global conferences, tourism, investment, and culture.

Conveying a message from Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Prof. Oborah announced that the governor will soon officially launch the 30-day countdown to the event.

Gist of the meeting

Discussions during the meeting centered on critical areas such as accommodation capacity, transport logistics, security, customer service, and ensuring local enterprises reap maximum economic benefits.

Robert Ayoko, Secretary General of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association, said the tourism industry was grateful to Prof Oborah for bringing the event to Kisumu.

Ayoko said the conference would help market Kisumu and the wider Lake Victoria region to visitors while creating opportunities for tourism businesses.

Ann Wanjiru, Operations and Business Development Manager at WaterPass, said her company and other businesses were ready to welcome conference participants.

Wanjiru said the event would allow visitors to experience Kisumu while giving local businesses an opportunity to demonstrate their products and services.

Nolter Sandy, Group Sales representative of Royal Group of Hotels, said the conference was important because it would increase business for hotels in Kisumu.

Sandy said Royal Group, which operates Royal City Garden Milimani, Grand Royal Seas and Royal City Hotel in town, was preparing to serve the expected visitors.

He said increased demand for accommodation and hospitality services would help hotels generate more revenue and income.

The stakeholders said they would work with the conference organisers and the county government to ensure proper accommodation, transport, security and customer service for delegates.

The conference will be held under the message “My Talent, My Brand!”

Additional reporting by GEOFREY KASERA