225 performances, it was finally time to put a spotlight on the ones that defined the year, 2025
Hosted by Martin Githinji and Kerry Kagiri Kamau, the Kenya Theatre Awards saw a dominant afro-futuristic theme. Vibrant artists came together to celebrate one another in an event that was amped up compared to previous editions.
Recognition and appreciation from your peers is one like no other, but also, let’s take time and evaluate what worked and what needs rectifying.
The 2025 KTA jury chairman, Ian Mbugua laid out precise elements that were notable, such as the increase of quality in set design and Make-up artistry, breaking barriers in theatre realism aesthetics. Genre-defying pieces dominated the year, increasing thematic quality and technical concepts.
The poster states a specific time but upon arrival, a two hour wait follows and the play isn’t as enjoyable as you it to be because you’re already exhausted, an experience I’ve had too often that Bwana Chair didn’t hesitate to point out. Among this downside is overlighting, low quality writing, stretched runtimes, lack of show programs and non-courtesy to the jury. We look forward to a better 2026.
May the costumes and makeup be tight, the scripts tighter and start on time.” 2025 KTA Jury Chairman, Ian Mbugua
Performances in the events ranged from musicals to scene extracts from upcoming shows such as Redemption (Coming March 6th to 15th) and The Lion King that pulled one in, making you forget you’re at an award show.
Alright, let’s get to the reason of why you clicked this. Here are the 2025 Kenya Theatre Award Winners.
- The Jury Special Award
- Jukwaa Arts
- Martha Galavu, and Masidza Galavu (Kenyan Superheroes, Shujaa Stories)
- Esther Kamba (Playreading Ke)
- Best breakthrough performer, male – Ochieng Daljit Against the Tide
- Best breakthrough performer, female – Renee Gichuki Free Me
- Best performance by young female actor – Tana Gachoka Just Juliet
- Best performance by a young male actor – Prajeet Ghose — Beetlejuice: The Musical
- Best performance by a female actor in a supporting role – Joyce Musoke, Bad Girls of the Bible
- Best performance by a male actor in a supporting role – Tobit Tom, Free Me
- Ushirika Award – Royal media services
- Best Kikwetu production – Wangū wa Makeri
- Best Spoken Word Production – Maina Mind Productions, Midnight Poetry
- Best Children’s Play – Beauty and the Beast, Braeburn Players
- Beat stage managed production – Rita Gitau Midnight Poetry
- Best set design – Mercy Muriuki Braeburn Players
- Best light design – Charles Stephen Midnight Poetry
- Best Sound Design – Philip Mbaka and Tonny Koome, In the Name of the Father
- Best Costume design – Nancy Oluoch Chemi Chemi Players
- World Impact Award – Adam Chienjo
- Best performance by a female actor in a supporting role (Musical) – Gathoni Waweru Wangū wa Makeri
- Best performance by a male actor in a supporting role (Musical) – Jazz Moll Oliver
- Best performance by a female actor in a monologue – Makena Kahuha Miss understood
- Best performance by a male actor in a monologue – Cosmas Kirui Locked In
- Best performance by a female actor in a leading role (Play) – Lucy Wache Picha
- Best performance by a male actor in a leading role (Play) – Michael Ndunda Picha
- Best Musical score arrangement or adaptation – Modest Chabari — Midnight Poetry (Maina Mind Productions)
- Best Choreography in a musical play – Aperture Africa Productions
- Lifetime achievement award Living – Daniel Mbugua
- Lifetime achievement award Posthumous – Margareta Wa Gacheru
- Best Two-hander production – Of Cords and Discords
- Best Kenyan Playwright – Yafesi Musoke Bad Girls of the Bible
- Best Learning Institution School – Braeburn Gitanga Rd
- Best Producer – Julisa Rowe Chemi Chemi Players
- Best Director – Mugambi Nthiga Free Me
- Best Production – Free Me Taji and Co. production Limited
- Theatre Company of the Year – Prevail Presents
Congratulations to the winners, to a bigger and better 2026
