The walls of Kenya National Theatre resonated with applause and artistic reverence on the evening of February 20, 2025, as the Fourth Kenya Theatre Awards ceremony unfolded. Dressed in burlesque theatre ensembles, an audience gathered for one thing. A celebration that both honored excellence and marked the remarkable evolution of Kenya’s theatrical landscape.
A Constellation of Performances
As dusk settled over the capital, hosts Martin Githinji and Kerry Kagiri guided attendees through an evening that transcended mere recognition, becoming instead a testament to Kenya’s growing theatrical diversity. The Kenya Cultural Centre Choir’s rendition of the national and East African anthems set a tone of cultural pride and regional unity.
The evening’s artistic tapestry revealed itself through seven meticulously curated performances. 6G’s Production captivated with their evocative mashup “When They First Found Me,” while Dance Centre Kenya’s ballet duet demonstrated the growing sophistication of movement arts in the country. The provocative “Oret” in its Swahili incarnation by 64 Theatre and Chemichemi Players’ thought-provoking “In Other Words” showcased Kenya’s dramatic range. The program reached its crescendo with Eric Wainaina’s introspective “First Draft” and Jackson Atulo’s stirring dance piece “Ma’adha”—each performance embodying the vibrant pulse of contemporary Kenyan theatre.
Insights from the Jury
In her address, Jury Chairperson Suki Nyadawa offered a contemplative analysis of Kenya’s theatrical metamorphosis. She noted that professional production houses had embraced the musical form with unprecedented enthusiasm that year. She further observed that boundaries had dissolved as experimental productions flourished, alternative venues had been transformed into performance spaces, and digital ticketing had revolutionized audience engagement.
Nyadawa also highlighted the jury’s expanded geographical reach, which now included Mombasa’s coastal theatres, Embu’s intimate venues, Nakuru and Eldoret’s emerging spaces, and Siaya’s community-centered productions, among others. This, she pointed out, demonstrated that theatrical expression in the country had become truly democratic. Additionally, it was announced that Levi Kavoi and Angela Owino would be joining the jury, replacing Suki Nyadawa and Emmanuel Shikuku, as advertised by Benson Ngobia.
It was noted that voter turnout had been high that year, with the winners securing victory by significant margins. The best storytelling category, in particular, had a winner with over 1,000 votes. Moreover, most stage managers were reported to be female. Benson Ngobia encouraged productions from distant locations to record their performances to ensure they could be considered for nominations.
Recognition Categories
Emerging Luminaries
The evening celebrated new voices with Cynthia Nzuki claiming Best Breakthrough Female Performer and Sam Ouma taking Best Breakthrough Male Performer. The youth categories saw Ariana Kagotho honored as Best Performance By A Young Female Actor and Danny Kathungu as Best Performance By A Young Male Actor, signaling a vibrant future for Kenyan theatre.
Supporting Artistry
In the supporting categories, Muthoni Gathecha was recognized for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Play), while Eric Chege claimed the male counterpart. The musical theatre supporting performance awards went to Auudi Rowa for females and Nyakundi Isaboke for males, highlighting the growing strength of Kenya’s musical theatre scene.
Production Mastery
Chatterbox dominated the production categories, winning Best Adaptation, Best Musical Theatre Production, and Best Production. Andu A Mumbi Production earned Best Kikwetu Production, while Irooto Productions claimed Best Spoken Word Production. Dance Centre Kenya’s technical excellence was rewarded with Best Dance Theatre, and Too Early For Birds received Best Story-telling Production. ChemiChemi Players took home Best Two-hander Production, with The Banda School winning Best Children’s Play.
Technical Virtuosity
The evening paid homage to the unseen architects of theatrical magic. Mitch Bushry received accolades for Best Costumes Design, while Jasper Miedema’s lighting designs illuminated his path to the Best Lighting Design award. Nancy Aluoch transformed spaces with her Best Set Design win, and Mike Mbugua shaped theatrical soundscapes to earn Best Sound Design. Musical innovations were recognized with Alice Kimanzi and Niqq Kerah sharing the Best Musical Score, Arrangement or Adaptation award, while Seth Guya’s movement compositions earned Best Original Choreography in a Musical/Play. Mercy Wangui’s organizational prowess was acknowledged with Best Stage Managed Production.
Academic Excellence
The ceremony acknowledged the crucibles of talent with Braeburn School – Gitanga Road winning Best Learning Institution (Schools) and Kenyatta University taking Best Learning Institution (Universities), affirming their dedication to theatrical education.
Leading Interpretations
In the leading role categories, Pris Laura Achieng delivered a commanding performance to win Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Play), while Daniel Lee Hird claimed the male equivalent. In musical theatre, Emma Withill and Agengo Ogone took the best lead performance awards for female and male actors respectively. The monologue categories saw Nyokabi Macharia and Ngartia Brian recognized for their powerful solo performances.
Lifetime Dedication
In perhaps the evening’s most profound moments, the Lifetime Achievement Awards honored Ann Wanjugu and Tirus Gathwe for their decades of commitment that have sculpted Kenya’s theatrical identity. The tribute video for departed artists created a bridge between generations, with special recognition of Margaretta’s enduring legacy.
Sovereign Honors
The pinnacle awards crowned an evening of artistic celebration. Martin Abuya was recognized as Best Playwright – Original Script, Gathoni Kimuyu as Best Producer, and Mugambi Nthiga’s visionary work earned him Best Director. Igiza Arts Production claimed the prestigious Theatre Company of The Year award, cementing their position at the forefront of Kenya’s theatrical landscape.
Distinguished Patronage and Special Recognition
The ceremony’s gravitas was amplified by special recognition awards. Cosmas Bii received the Jury’s Special Award for exceptional contribution to theatre. The Nairobi Musical Theatre Initiative was honored with the World Impact Award, recognizing its global influence, while Heva Fund received the Ushirika Award for its collaborative spirit and support of the arts ecosystem.
Representing the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Ummi Bashir, the Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, brought heightened significance to the evening with her resonant message of ‘Pesa Mfukoni’—a rallying cry for financial empowerment within Kenya’s creative economy. Her presentation of monetary awards transcended mere ceremonial gesture, embodying a concrete commitment to artistic sustainability. As she bestowed the prestigious Theatre Company of the Year award upon Igiza Arts Production, the moment crystallized theatre’s essential position within Kenya’s cultural framework.
Attendees noted Bashir’s evident passion and vision, qualities that inspired cautious optimism that her promises would manifest into tangible support. The ceremony’s distinguished audience—comprising diplomatic envoys, cultural administrators, and theatrical pioneers—collectively reinforced the art form’s vital function in both cultural diplomacy and national conversation, lending gravitas to an already momentous occasion.
Triumphs and Horizons
Even amid celebration, Nyadawa’s reflections acknowledged the industry’s growing pains: production density challenging even the most dedicated jury members, punctuality issues testing audience patience, and adaptation challenges requiring greater artistic discipline.
Yet the emergence of professional church theatre programs employing trained actors, and the ceremony’s thoughtful delineation between established professionals and emerging talents, pointed toward a maturing ecosystem—one increasingly stratified, specialized, and sophisticated.
Culmination and Continuity
As Awards Founder Kevin Kimani Kahuro offered closing remarks and winners gathered for a commemorative photograph, the final notes of Kenya’s national anthem resonated through the hall—not merely concluding an event, but affirming the continuity of a cultural renaissance. The Fourth Kenya Theatre Awards thus became not only a celebration of the year passed but a harbinger of theatrical innovations yet to unfold on Kenya’s stages.
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