By MUNIRA MANDANO
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Kenya’s theatre industry to promote growth, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of artists and other players in the creative sector.
Principal Secretary for Culture, the Arts and Heritage Ummi Bashir said the Kenya Kwanza administration was committed to transforming the creative sector into a sustainable industry capable of providing decent livelihoods.
“The government recognises the immense value of the arts and is committed to investing in the theatre industry’s continued growth and development,” she said.
Bashir spoke during the fourth edition of the Kenya Theatre Awards ceremony held at the Kenya National Theatre.
The event was jointly organised by the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust and the Kenya Cultural Centre, which incorporates the Kenya National Theatre.
The PS said theatre provided artists with a platform to explore their creativity, tell stories and showcase their talents, while contributing to the country’s cultural development.
She noted that theatre had long played a significant role in Kenya’s cultural landscape by bringing people together, encouraging shared experiences and fostering social cohesion.
Bashir commended theatre producers for staging 235 productions in 2024, saying the performances created direct employment opportunities for more than 5,000 creatives and contributed to the growth of the industry.
She announced that the government, through the Kenya Cultural Centre in partnership with the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust, would roll out the second edition of the County Theatre Fiesta to promote theatre across the country.
The initiative seeks to build the capacity of emerging theatre practitioners by equipping them with the skills needed to develop and stage professional productions.
It also aims to improve the quality of performances, empower artists economically and expand entertainment options for audiences across the country.
Bashir urged theatre practitioners to take advantage of the initiative once details are announced and to share the information widely within their professional networks.
She said the programme would be an important step towards building a vibrant and sustainable theatre industry.
The PS also congratulated the winners of the fourth Kenya Theatre Awards, praising their passion, talent, hard work and dedication to the arts.
“Congratulations to all the winners. I sincerely hope that this awards ceremony will inspire the production of exceptional theatre performances as we continue to champion theatre as a vital force in shaping Kenya’s cultural and artistic landscape,” she said.
