By Tony Wafula
Bungoma County is set to host a talanta expo in a bold move aimed at empowering local artists and strengthening the creative industry as the county seeks to tap into the economic potential of music, film, fashion, visual arts and other creative expressions at the grassroots level.
The expo dubbed ‘Waks Talanta Expo’ organized by area senator Wafula Wakoli will bring together artists, digital content creators and other sector players to showcase talent, create market linkages and provide mentorship opportunities, positioning Bungoma as an emerging hub for the creative economy in the region.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Bungoma senator Wafula Wakoli, said that he decided to organize a talanta expo in the county that would be an opportunity for local artists to showcase what they are investing.
He said that the expo invites rappers, singers, dancers, spoken word, comedy among other creatives to register to participate.
“This Expo is to ensure that money is felt in the pockets of young artists in Bungoma, and that is why we are here today to announce to the people of Bungoma that auditions are about to begin,” he said.
He affirmed that all auditions will be done free of charge so that they are able to be seen and listened to by professional adjudicators.
The Ford Kenya lawmaker said that the aim of the expo is to prepare local digital content creators and artists for local and international markets.
“This exercise will kick off and the climax will be on 3rd January 2026, “he said. He revealed that the auditions will take place as follows; 29th December 2025 at St. Luke’s High school Kimilili to cover those from Sirisia, Kimilili and Mt Elgon Sub counties, 30th PCEA Reliance High School Webuye covering Webuye West, Webuye East and Tongaren and 31st would take place at Bungoma high school accommodating Kanduyi, Bumula and Kabuchai sub counties.
He added, “ I want to assure the people of Bungoma that after this talanta expo, we shall see a masterpiece of presentations, quality productions and disciplined young people, those of whom people think that to be a content creator or a dancer is like being hopeless, this is an opportunity for the people of Bungoma to know,”
Further, Senator Wakoli decried the rising cases of drug and substance abuse in Bungoma urging the relevant authorities to move with speed and address the matter.
“Drug and substance abuse is at the peak in Bungoma, people are peddling bung and hard staff at the watch of the security department,” he said, arguing that if the security team is not going to shape up they will shape out.
“I will mobilize the young people in Bungoma who know that they are the future of this county to defend their destiny and future,” Wakoli added.
The Senate Majority Whip reported that before the end of the year, he will organize a security talk with the security to chat a way forward on addressing the rising numbers of young people using drugs and substance abuse.
Wakoli rallied those who will perform during the talanta expo to use the opportunity to create awareness about the effects of drug and substance abuse.
The senator also criticized the sports and gender department in Bungoma for failing to support artists in the county.
