The African Talent University (TATU)
Africa's first talent-based university in Kisumu, Kenya, offering creative arts, business, and technology.
The institution
Who they are, how big, and how they rank.
About
Founded by Prof. Humphrey Oborah after a 20-year battle to gain government accreditation, The African Talent University (TATU) is Africa's first university dedicated to talent-based learning. Based in Kisumu, TATU serves over 200 students through three schools: Creative Arts, Business, and Technology.
The university offers innovative degree programmes that integrate talent identification, competency-based education, and industry learning labs. Its founding philosophy challenges conventional academic models by placing talent at the centre of the learning experience, designed for creators, athletes, innovators, and future leaders.
Accredited by CUE, TATU represents a paradigm shift in African higher education, moving from purely credential-based to talent-based admissions and pedagogy. Its creative studios and sports facilities support its unique talent-based curriculum, connecting it to the World Talent Conference network.
The numbers
- Student to staff
- 1:15
- Scholarships
- Offered
Research and innovation
TATU focuses on talent-based learning research, exploring competency-based education models for creative arts, sports, and innovation that challenge conventional academic pedagogy. The School of Creative Arts conducts research on talent identification methodologies, creative industries development, and the economic impact of Africa's creative sector. The School of Business investigates talent-driven entrepreneurship, creative economy business models, and the intersection of talent and enterprise development. The School of Technology researches innovation ecosystems, digital creative technologies, and talent-based approaches to technology education. The university's industry learning labs provide practical research environments where students and faculty collaborate with industry partners on real-world challenges. The World Talent Conference 2026 partnership connects TATU to a global network of talent research and practice. Research output, though at an early stage, increasingly informs talent-based education policy, creative industries development, and competency-based curriculum design across Africa, positioning TATU as a pioneer in talent-based educational research.
Accredited by
1 regulatory bodyWhat they teach
Faculties, departments and the programmes on offer.
Admission requirements
Admission based on talent assessment and KCSE qualifications. Letter of Interim Authority granted April 2026. First intake May 2026.
Intakes
- May
- September
Schools and faculties
3 in totalSchool of Creative Arts
Main Campus, Nairobi
School of Business
Main Campus, Nairobi
School of Technology
Main Campus, Nairobi
Courses offered
2 programmesCampus and beyond
Where you would be, and who they are connected to.
Campuses
Kisumu Campus
Main campus
Main Campus
Nairobi
Nairobi
On campus
- Academic Library and Learning Resource Centre with comprehensive print collection and digital academic journal access
- Modern Computer Laboratories and ICT Resource Centre equipped with high-speed internet and e-learning terminals
- Specialized Science Laboratories and practical training facilities supporting core academic curricula
- On-Campus Student Hostels providing secure residential accommodation with 24/7 perimeter security
- Multi-purpose Outdoor Sports Grounds with football pitch, volleyball, netball, and athletics facilities
- Student Health and Wellness Centre providing outpatient medical consultations, first aid, and referral services
- University Cafeteria and Student Dining Halls serving affordable, nutritious student meals
- Campus-wide High-Speed Wi-Fi connectivity and digital smart classrooms for hybrid lecture delivery
International partnerships
3 institutions- Creative Economy Practice Africa
InternationalAcademic & Research Cooperation
Active collaboration in academic exchange, curriculum benchmarking, and faculty research development with The African Talent University.
- African Union Talent and Skills Development Initiative
InternationalAcademic & Research Cooperation
Active collaboration in academic exchange, curriculum benchmarking, and faculty research development with The African Talent University.
- Lake Region Economic Bloc Innovation Network
InternationalAcademic & Research Cooperation
Active collaboration in academic exchange, curriculum benchmarking, and faculty research development with The African Talent University.