A new wave of youth talent development is taking shape in Kisumu. Local agencies, passionate parents and dedicated mentors are rallying behind young models and performers, determined to shape a generation of confident and ambitious young stars.
During the inaugural African Talent Campus Night held in Buoye, Kisumu, dozens of children took to the runway, showcasing the impact of early talent nurturing under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The event, which combined fashion, catwalk, culinary presentations, and art exhibitions, offered a refreshing alternative to Kisumu’s nightlife clean, safe, creative, family-friendly, and focused entirely on empowering children and youth.
For many of the young participants, it was their first time performing in front of a large audience. For their teachers and parents, it was a moment of pride and affirmation that Kisumu’s talent industry is filled with untapped potential.
Among the leading mentors at the event was Valentine Teckler, the founder and CEO of Glamkids Kisumu. Valentine, a trained teacher, runs the academy from Kisumu Sports Ground and currently trains around 30 children aged between three and seventeen years.
“My stable promotes talent, mainly modeling and dance,” she said.
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The brand ambassadors who accompanied her were among Kisumu’s most promising young models. Dressed in beautifully designed outfits, the three performed their runway routines with confidence and precision, drawing applause from parents and visitors.
“We were just showcasing what we have in our agency a bit of what we do,” Valentine added. “It gives the children a chance to interact with a real audience and build confidence.”
Valentine believes schools are yet to fully embrace modeling, despite CBC emphasizing talent development.
“Modeling is part of CBC, which is about embracing the child’s talent,” she stressed. “Some schools have cultural days and dances but ignore modeling. There is a gap that needs addressing.”
One of the parents attending the event, Nolta Sunday quickly narrated her journey raising a child who has quickly risen to national fame.
Her daughter is the current Little Miss Kenya 2025 and Little Miss Kenya Kisumu County. Nolta recalls how her daughter’s passion for modeling became visible quite unexpectedly.
“I didn’t realise she was passionate about modeling until I saw her catwalking one day,” She recalls.
“During an event by the Ministry of Tourism in 2023, she asked if there were models and whether she could model too. She was just five then.”
“From that moment, my daughter began winning pageants almost back-to-back—Little Miss Kimuta 2025, Tiny Miss Bondo first runners-up, Little Miss Tranquility Africa first runners-up, among others.”
But beyond modeling, Nolta says her daughter is also passionate about environmental conservation.
“She loves the environment too,” she says. “This year we started the Foundation, which empowers the future generation through environmental sustainability, talent, and inclusive opportunities for all children.”
However, Nolta said the biggest challenge she encounters is financial. Supporting a modeling child requires significant resources.
“Modeling is a very expensive affair,” she says “The costumes are costly, and preparing for competitions requires money. We are expected to travel, buy outfits, and pay fees.”
Despite the burden, she continues to support her daughter’s dreams wholeheartedly. “I support her behind the scenes. Next year we are supposed to go to Bali to represent Kenya and also to the USA around July and August.”
She says balancing school with modeling activities has been possible thanks to supportive teachers.
“When we had the Little Miss Kenya competition, she missed school for a week. But her teachers were patient and supportive. She’s bright and manages to balance both.”
The event also provided a platform for children to express their dreams and aspirations. Seven-year-old Marren Akeyo, Little Miss Kenya Kisumu County, spoke with admirable courage.
“I’m into this because of passion,” she said. “My best subjects are English and arts. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor because I love taking care of people. I can’t wait to travel by plane, I’ll love it. To other children, be passionate. There is more waiting for us. Start now; don’t wait until you’re old.”
Nine-year-old Hazel Precious, Little Miss Tranquility Africa, shared similar sentiments. “I love modeling. It’s my passion. I want to achieve big things and show my talent to the world. It’s my time to shine.”
Ten-year-old Angel Smith, Little Miss Culture Bondo Town, added, “Modeling is my thing. I’ve grown up loving it. I always balance it with school. Everything has its time; no time should be wasted.”
Analysts say the CBC curriculum, which prioritizes creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, aligns perfectly with modeling and performance activities.
Events such as the African Talent Campus Night demonstrate how CBC’s ideals can be put into practical action.