Local learning institutions and political leaders in Kisumu County have come under sharp criticism for missing out on a major global platform after showing low participation in the recently concluded 2026 World Talent Conference.
Speaking on Friday at the end of the five-day biannual convention, the Founder of the African Talent University, Prof. Humphrey Obora, voiced deep disappointment over the poor representation from institutions within the host county and the broader Nyanza region.
Despite Kisumu hosting thousands of delegates from across Africa and Canada, Prof. Obora revealed that only two universities and two Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions from the county participated. In contrast, the majority of Kenyan attendees traveled from the Mt. Kenya region, Nakuru, and the Rift Valley.
The conference which ran from Monday across the main grounds, the Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre, and the Baraza Media Lab at Lake Basin Mall attracted 5,614 participants.
Prof. Obora emphasized that the event was designed to challenge conventional classroom education and shift Africa’s perspective on learning by proving that formal academic credentials are not the sole pathway to economic success.
“Learning is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom. We have seen people who may have dropped out of school come forward with innovations and products that have the potential to generate income and create employment,” Prof. Obora stated.
Highlighting the potential of grassroots innovation, Prof. Obora disclosed that 17 innovative projects showcased during the convention have already secured interest from international investors, donors, and development partners. These projects will receive targeted support aimed at full development and commercialization by 2028.
Prof. Obora also took local political and county leaders to task, accusing them of prioritizing short-term political handouts over long-term youth empowerment and economic transformation.
“You will go to rallies and dish out 200 shillings to the youth. Is that better than creating opportunities for them to build enterprises?” he asked.
He called on county governments, educational institutions, the private sector, and development partners to build stronger collaborations. He urged Kisumu stakeholders to seize future opportunities to position the region as a hub for innovation, enterprise development, and talent incubation.
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