Kisumu’s hospitality, tourism and transport sectors have stepped up preparations to receive thousands of delegates expected to attend the World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026, as the lakeside city positions itself to showcase its potential as a leading conference and tourism destination.
Stakeholders from the hospitality, tourism, transport and related service sectors met at The African Talent University (TATU) on Friday to assess their readiness ahead of the international conference scheduled for October 26–30, 2026.
The meeting was addressed by World Talent Federation Secretary General and TATU Founder and Sponsor Prof. Humphrey Oborah, who outlined the conference’s objectives and its expected economic impact on Kisumu, Kenya, and Africa.
Prof. Oborah said the conference should be viewed beyond education and talent development, arguing that it presents Kisumu with an opportunity to market itself as a destination for international conferences, tourism, investment, culture and enterprise.
“WTC 2026 is not only an education and talent-development event, but also an important opportunity for Kisumu to showcase itself as a destination for conferences, tourism, investment, culture, hospitality and enterprise,” Prof. Oborah said.
The stakeholders discussed accommodation capacity, transport and mobility, security coordination, customer service, registration and accreditation, tourism opportunities, business linkages and strategies to ensure local enterprises benefit from the influx of visitors.
Prof. Oborah also conveyed a message from Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is expected to officially launch the 30-day countdown to the conference as preparations enter their final phase.
The conference is expected to bring together young people, professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, institutions and communities to demonstrate how talent can be transformed into practical solutions, innovation, businesses, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the participating stakeholders, group chairman Robert Oyoko said the hospitality, tourism and transport sectors were ready to seize the opportunities presented by the international gathering.
Oyoko said the expected increase in demand for accommodation, transport, food and tourism services would provide a significant boost to local businesses.
“The sector stands to benefit significantly from the expected increase in demand for accommodation, transport, food, tourism and other services,” Oyoko said.
He added that the benefits could extend beyond the immediate conference period through partnerships, investment opportunities, destination marketing and stronger positioning of Kisumu as a competitive tourism and conference hub.
The stakeholders pledged to work closely with the WTC 2026 Secretariat, TATU, the Kisumu County Government and other partners to ensure delegates receive quality services and experience the best of Kisumu and the wider Western Kenya region.
WTC 2026 will be held in Kisumu from October 26 to 30 under the theme “My Talent, My Brand!”
Organisers say the conference will seek to demonstrate that talent can be discovered, developed and professionalised before being converted into innovation, enterprise, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
