KISUMU, Kenya — Fidelis Kyalo, a 28-year-old artist from Kisumu, has turned his lifelong passion for drawing into a sustainable career, positively impacting his family’s livelihood. With the support of the Nairobi Art Gallery, which champions art as a crucial expression of life and talent, Kyalo has successfully navigated the journey from a casual hobbyist to a professional artist.
According to Kenya News Agency, his artistic journey began at the tender age of seven and evolved significantly after a friend recognized his talent in 2017, suggesting he pursue formal education in the arts. Despite his initial aspirations to join the Kenya Defense Forces post-high school, Kyalo chose to follow his passion for art, leading him to enroll at Mwangaza Art School in Kisumu. This decision marked a pivotal turn in his life, opening doors to various art forms beyond drawing, including sculpture, pottery, and canvas painting.
During his time at Mwangaza, Kyalo’s artistic abilities flourished, culminating in his first significant earnings—a Sh13,000 payment for a pencil artwork, which he and his wife wisely invested in establishing a thrift shop for men’s wear in Kisumu. This venture complemented his ongoing artistic endeavors, providing a stable income source and enabling him to engage in various contractual projects, including corporate and educational institution commissions.
Despite the rewarding aspects of his career, Kyalo faces challenges common to many artists, particularly regarding the cost and availability of art supplies and public appreciation of the art’s value. Nevertheless, his commitment to his craft and entrepreneurial spirit have paved the way for future aspirations, including potential ventures into animation and collaborations with publishers and media outlets.
Kyalo’s story serves as an inspirational testament to the potential of art as a viable career path, challenging conventional perceptions about the viability of non-corporate professions. His success not only underscores the importance of nurturing talent but also highlights the broader implications for educational policy, as exemplified by his endorsement of the Competency Based Curriculum in Kenya, which aims to foster and leverage individual talents for economic growth and personal fulfillment.