Mwelekeo TV recently hosted a discussion with Ephantus Mugo, the founder of Gifted Kids Kenya, where he spoke about the importance of helping children discover and grow their talents from a young age.
In a time when many parents in Kenya are worried about raising confident and capable children, Ephantus explained that talent development can play a big role in shaping a child’s future beyond school performance.
He said that many adults today feel stuck in careers they do not enjoy because their talents were ignored when they were young. For many years, the education system in Kenya gave more attention to careers like medicine, law, and engineering, while creative talents like acting, filmmaking, music, and public speaking were seen as less important. Because of this, many people followed paths chosen for them, only to later realize their true passion was somewhere else.
Ephantus shared that he has met people who trained as lawyers or architects but later moved into music, writing, or acting because that was where their hearts were.
He believes that if children are supported early enough, they can avoid wasting years in careers that do not fit them. He said talent development helps children gain confidence, communication skills, discipline, and social skills that stay with them for life.
His own journey started at a very young age. He explained that when he was only four years old, he would gather his cousins and children from the neighborhood to perform for their grandfathers during Christmas celebrations.
By the time he was in Form Three, he already knew he wanted to become a filmmaker. However, there were very few training opportunities at that time, and his family did not know how to guide him.
He later became a teacher, which gave him a chance to use his passion for drama and performance while working with students.
This experience later inspired him to start Gifted Kids Kenya, a program that helps children grow in acting, film, public speaking, and other performance arts. He explained that many children join the program feeling shy and unsure of themselves.
Through regular practice, auditions, rehearsals, and stage performances, they slowly become more confident and disciplined.
He gave an example of a child attending an audition with many others and later getting selected for a television role or appearing on a billboard. That moment gives the child real confidence because they can clearly see what they have achieved through their own effort. He said this kind of success feels different from school grades, where children may feel the success came mainly from teachers pushing them.
Ephantus also addressed the fears many parents still have about creative careers. In the past, activities like drama were sometimes linked to bad behavior or school unrest, making some parents fear that creative spaces could lead children astray. Others worried that such careers could not provide a stable income.
Today, however, social media platforms like TikTok have helped parents see that talent can also create real opportunities and careers.
He explained that while financial success may come later, the main focus should be on building character first. Even if a child never becomes a professional actor or filmmaker, the confidence and discipline they gain remain valuable throughout life.
He also encourages parents to think beyond quick opportunities like television adverts and instead focus on long-term growth.
Simple actions like helping a child write a book at a young age can leave a lasting impact. Years later, that achievement becomes a reminder of what they are capable of. Through these experiences, children learn responsibility, commitment, and self-worth.
Ephantus believes the arts should be treated seriously as part of education and personal growth. In a world where children spend a lot of time consuming digital content, they need spaces where they can express themselves, think independently, and build their voices. Mentorship helps them overcome fear and prepares them to lead and contribute positively to society.
Gifted Kids Kenya continues to provide these opportunities by combining talent development with character building.
The goal is not just to discover gifted children but to raise young people who are confident, responsible, and ready for the future.
Mwelekeo TV continues to create space for such important conversations by bringing experts and mentors to share knowledge that helps families and communities grow stronger.
