BUNGOMA, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed the government to urgently establish and roll out the Kenya National Talent Search, a nationwide programme designed to identify, nurture and support young people with talent and innovative abilities.
Ruto said the programme will seek talent and creativity throughout the year across fields including music, comedy, acting, poetry, film, dance, sport and other disciplines.
Speaking at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival State Concert at the State Lodge in Bungoma County, the President directed the State Department for Youth to work with the Creative Economy Office and receive support from the Sports Fund to implement the initiative without further delay.
“We must identify, nurture and support talent wherever it exists across Kenya,” Ruto said.
He also directed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to ensure the programme receives the necessary government support and coordination.
Kenya Beyond 2030 to guide talent search
Ruto proposed “Kenya Beyond 2030” as the inaugural theme of the National Talent Search, saying it would connect young people’s creativity with the country’s long-term development priorities.
He directed that school creative events beginning next year should also adopt the theme, giving learners an opportunity to use music, art, film, poetry, drama and other forms of expression to imagine Kenya’s future.
“Beginning next year, school creative events should also carry this theme. Let our young people use their creativity to imagine Kenya’s future development,” he said.
The President said he looked forward to personally recognising winners of the National Talent Search during the next Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.
The programme is part of the government’s broader effort to formalise the creative economy and position talent development as a viable pathway for education, employment and economic empowerment.
Winning institutions to receive Sh5 million
Ruto also directed the Ministry of Education to provide Sh5 million to each winning institution that performed at the 2026 Kenya Music Festivals State Concert.
The directive is intended to provide institutions with additional resources to develop and nurture the talents demonstrated by their students.
The President said investment in young people’s abilities should extend beyond competitions and performances by creating opportunities for them to turn their skills into sustainable careers.
Science and innovation talent
Beyond the creative arts, Ruto directed the Ministry of Education to strengthen the recognition of young innovators participating in the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair.
Beginning next year, winners of the annual competition will be invited to State House, where the President said he would meet them, examine their innovations and hear their ideas.
“I want to meet them, see what they have built and hear their ideas. Above all, I want them to know that their country believes in them and values them,” Ruto said.
The directive expands the government’s talent-development approach beyond traditional academic achievement to include innovation, creativity and practical problem-solving.
Talent as an economic opportunity
The President said Kenya’s young population possesses significant creative and innovative potential that can contribute to economic growth if properly identified and supported.
The National Talent Search is expected to provide a structured platform for identifying gifted young people from different parts of the country, including those who may not have access to established creative and sporting institutions.
