A new talent-search platform is giving young Kenyans a chance to turn their creativity into opportunity, with organisers promising a grand prize of more than Sh500,000 alongside mentorship and industry exposure.
Dubbed Nairobi Has Talent, the initiative is powered by Stage 254, founded by Steve Ogendo, and seeks to identify emerging talent across music, dance, poetry, spoken word and other creative disciplines.
Ogendo says the idea was inspired by international talent competitions and his own encounters with gifted young people who lack platforms to showcase their abilities.
“I have interacted with a lot of talent in the streets, but no one is willing to give them a platform. Most of them do not have the right platform, the right exposure, and the talent is really great out there,” he says.
According to Ogendo, Nairobi is full of young people with extraordinary abilities but limited access to opportunities that can help them turn their talent into sustainable careers.
“We have come up with a platform that will at least give those who will be able to access the right platform and the right exposure so that they have the pathway to their success,” he says.
The initiative comes at a time when unemployment and limited opportunities continue to push many young people to seek alternative ways of earning a living.
Ogendo believes the competition’s prize money could provide a significant starting point for a young creative.
“We are having a grand prize of over half a million shillings. We believe that is money enough, at least a reasonable amount, for somebody to kick-start as a young talent,” he says.
But the organisers say the initiative is about more than the cash prize.
Participants will also have access to mentorship programmes, experienced artists and professionals from the creative industry, with the aim of helping them develop their skills and navigate the industry.
So far, nearly 100 people had auditioned within the first two days, a response Ogendo describes as encouraging.
He is now calling on more young people to step forward and take part.
“We always say that every talent deserves a chance,” he says.
The organisers are also seeking support from brands, institutions and other partners to expand the initiative and reach more young creatives.
Ogendo says the platform is currently being funded by the organisers themselves but believes partnerships will be crucial if Nairobi Has Talent is to grow into a national initiative.
“There is potential here. We have seen incredible talent. People have so many extraordinary things to showcase,” he says.
His appeal extends to parents and institutions that can support young people pursuing creative careers.
“To the youth, if you really feel that you have something that is unique, something that is extraordinary, I kindly ask you to step up and be part of us,” Ogendo says.
He adds: “To the brands, parents and other institutions who are willing to come and join us in changing the lives of these people, we kindly call upon you to be on board with us.”