Kenya Theatre Awards 2026

The Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) have officially announced the nominees for the 5th Kenya Theatre Awards, marking another significant milestone in the growth of Kenya’s theatre industry. The 2026 edition is anchored on the theme African Theatre Futurism: Step onto Tomorrow’s Stage Today, reflecting a forward-looking vision for theatre on the continent.

Speaking on behalf of the Kenya Theatre Awards, Benson Ngobia, Chair of KTA, outlined the continued expansion of the theatre sector across the country. He noted that the awards received 225 production submissions, representing an increase from the previous year and pointing to rising creative output nationwide.

From these submissions, the jury evaluated 152 productions staged across 74 venues countrywide, an increase in the number of performance spaces compared to past editions. This expansion in venues was highlighted as a positive indicator of theatre reaching wider audiences and new regions beyond traditional hubs.

Ngobia emphasized the importance of public participation in sustaining this growth. With an average ticket price of KES 1,500, audiences were encouraged to continue supporting theatre by attending performances, as ticket purchases directly contribute to the sustainability of productions and the livelihoods of artists.

He also confirmed that the 5th Kenya Theatre Awards ceremony will take place on 26th February 2026, and that voting is now open on the official KTA website. The 2026 awards feature 36 competitive categories, a reduced number compared to previous years, as part of a broader effort to streamline the awards. Official visuals and nominee highlights will be rolled out across KTA’s social media platforms in the lead-up to the ceremony.

Providing insight into the jury process, Ian Mbugua, Jury Chair for the 2026 awards, explained that while the number of productions increased compared to 2024, overall quality did not consistently meet the standards expected across all categories.

As a result, some categories were shelved after careful consideration, with the jury prioritizing artistic integrity and maintaining high benchmarks for nomination. The jury assessed a wide range of theatrical forms, including storytelling, dance, musical theatre, adaptations, and productions by learning institutions such as colleges and universities.

Mbugua highlighted evolving category structures within musical theatre, noting the inclusion of lead performance categories for both male and female actors, while supporting roles continue to be recognized separately. He also shared proposed considerations for future editions, including the introduction of hair and makeup design categories.

In addition, the jury emphasized the importance of language representation in Kenyan theatre, proposing the introduction of a Kiswahili-language category to complement existing English and vernacular productions and to further promote Kiswahili as a key medium of theatrical expression.

Mbugua also addressed challenges encountered during the nomination process, particularly cases where some producers opted not to submit their productions for award consideration. This decision, he noted, limited opportunities for actors and creatives whose performances may otherwise have qualified for nomination, despite the quality of their work.

While acknowledging the increase in venues and production volume as signs of industry growth, he reiterated the need for sustained focus on quality as Kenyan theatre continues to expand.

An analysis of the 2026 nominations indicates that a small number of productions achieved significant cross-category recognition. Midnight Poetry emerged as the most nominated production, receiving at least eight nominations across major areas, including direction, musical score, sound design, lighting design, stage management, acting (monologue), best production, and spoken word production, reflecting both artistic depth and technical excellence. Free Me followed closely with at least six nominations, spanning directing, playwriting, sound design, supporting and leading performances, and best production, highlighting the strength of its ensemble and creative team. Bad Girls of the Bible secured at least six nominations across directing, playwriting, costume design, supporting performances, and best production, demonstrating consistent recognition across performance and design categories. The Matatu From Watamu ‘Drove Into The Sea’ recorded five nominations, cutting across children’s theatre, choreography, costume design, set design, and young actor categories, signaling its broad creative impact. Other productions with multiple nominations include Blue Stockings, with five nominations across acting, choreography, sound design, stage management, and youth performance categories, and Against The Tide, which received three nominations largely concentrated in performance categories.