Kenya National Theatre is part of the Kenya Cultural Centre, a Semi Autonomous Government Agency under the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture in Kenya. It is mandated to offer space for the rehearsal and staging of productions to both local and international repertoire. It is based in Nairobi along Harry Thuku Road and borders the University of Nairobi (UON), The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel.
The history of the building has viewed its location as a hurdle for an earnest identification with the local artistic performances. The cost of maintenance has meant higher booking fees for fledgling repertoires, eventually reserving itself for a corporate clientele. The Kenya National Theatre has also been a subject of scholarly criticism and a basis for formulating a cultural policy.
In 2004, Kenya Cultural Centre Ltd contracted Millicon’s Ltd to undertake a three phase renovation of the facility. In October 2007, Kenya National Theatre was handed over and renamed “National Theatre” with a notable interior design of the first floor’s “Wasanii Restaurant” by Terry Tabor.
History
Plans for the Kenya National Theatre begun in 1949 when a committee requested the colonial government to build a theatre. The government passed a law (Chapter 218 of 1951), and provided land on what is now Harry Thuku Road for the building. The choice of location was due to safety considerations, as this was at the beginning of the Mau Mau uprising and that area was away from the areas frequented by Africans. Once complete, the 450-seat theatre had a dilapidated orchestra pit in the basement, an auditorium with a curtained stage, and a balcony. It also included a bar and restaurant on the first floor.
The theatre underwent a multimillion shilling renovation, which was completed between March 2014 and March 2015.
Notable productions
The most notable performance is Conrad Makeni‘s production of I Will Marry When I Want by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii, play with a cast of 500. which landed Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o in trouble with authorities in the 1980s.
In May 2003 the South African musical Sarafina!,was produced at the Kenya National Theatre by Sterling Quality Entertainment Company. The producers of the show, Peter J. Oyier and Paul J. Oyier also hosted Mbongeni Ngema and Leleti Khumalo for the premiere of the show, which had an all-Kenyan cast and was praised by Ngema and Khumalo for its accurate and powerful portrayal of the world-acclaimed musical theatre piece.
In 2017, the theatre hosted award-winning musical Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as Too Early for Birds, an experimental theatre production that stages stories from Kenyan history.
The Kenya Cultural Centre
Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating Kenya National Theatre (KCC-NT) is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency established by the Kenya Cultural Centre Act CAP 218 and mandated to provide a Centre for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Kenya and to provide for the performance of music, drama and dancing, for the exhibition of works of art and craft and the holding of meetings for discussion of matters of literary, historical, scientific or educational interest or importance, and connected purposes as may be approved by the Governing Council. KCC-NT is the nation’s oldest state cultural institution and is currently administered under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage.
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VISION
To be the Centre of Excellence in Development, Promotion, and commercialization of creative arts
MISSION
To cultivate talent, foster innovation and empower artistic expression in creative arts for socio-economic development
CORE VALUES
Good Governance, including professionalism
Uprightness, including transparency and accountability
Inclusiveness
Diversity
Equity
Our Products
The Kenya Cultural Centre hosts four fully equipped spaces for artistic, cultural and corporate shows and events. Convenient amenities include ample parking and open scenic grounds. The Kenya National Theatre (Main Auditorium), Ukumbi Mdogo, Cheche Gallery and the Dance Studio are vibrant all-year-round with a myriad of activities.
Our Programs
We pride ourselves in the artistically enriching programs curated for all artists in the country across a variety of art disciplines.
EST 1952
Our History
The Kenya Cultural Centre has a great history of promoting and conserving art and culture running back to 1952. Over the years, it has hosted hundreds of artistic and cultural events making it the premier location for championing culture and heritage in the region.
2023
INAUGURAL EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY KENYAN ART IN LONDON
Kenya Cultural Centre together with the Kenya High Commission in London are proud to present the Inaugural Exhibition of Contemporary Kenyan Art in London, themed Kenyan Artists: Visions & Possibilities, culminating in the Jamuhuri Day Celebrations in early December. The exhibition aims to support the professional development of young underrepresented Kenyan visual artists while positioning Kenya as a global contender in contemporary visual arts.
Emerging from a continent steeped in a rich and captivating history, set against an awe-inspiring natural backdrop, our exhibiting artists—all under 35—offer their unique perspectives on a rapidly evolving era.
Hailing from diverse backgrounds and wielding an array of innovative styles, techniques, and materials, they expertly capture the heartbeat of contemporary Kenya. Their work invites us into a captivating dialogue about the nation’s emerging visions and possibilities.
These artists deftly craft new identities through a people-centred approach, delving into portraiture and the intricacies of the human form. Skilled storytellers, they focus on human connections and interactions with their surroundings, conveying this through vibrant colours and patterns rooted in their rich cultural heritage. They capture the vibrancy of youth, challenging values and questioning social constructs. For these artists, ‘art is the medium through which they express their boundless creativity.’
Exhibiting artists include Anne Onyango, Brian Kimani, Chesta Nyamosi, Clinton Odhiambo, Cynthia Ngunjiri, Denis Cheruiyot, Eugene Kimotho, Henry Nyagudi, Lein Brian, Mark Maganga, Melissa Joe, Quinter Achieng, Ron Enoch, Sharon Ekonge, Simon Marui, Stephen Ogallo, Ted Mwaniki and Clara Chebet.
1951
Act of Parliament
Construction was completed and the centre incorporated under an Act of Parliament (Cap 218 of 1951). The building comprised a 450-seater hall, an orchestra pit, curtained stage and a balcony with a bar and restaurant where patrons could enjoy refreshments during breaks and after performances.
1952
Official Opening
The Centre was officially opened for use. This marked the beginning of theatrical performances at the Kenya National Theatre.
1957
KNT in 1957. PHOTO: Vintage East Africa
1959
National Schools Drama Festival
The Kenya Cultural Centre hosted the inaugural National Schools Drama Festival, which was modelled on the British drama festival for higher education. It comprised expatriate teachers, inspectors and staff of the British Council.
1971
Olkirkenyi
The first local play to win the National Drama Festival at KNT was a phenomenal moment in 1971. The production was “Olkirkenyi”, by students of Olkejuado Secondary School.
1982
I Will Marry When I Want
The production by Conrad Makeni of Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii’s play “I Will Marry When I Want” in 1982 landed Ngugi wa Thiong’o in trouble with the authorities. The play was banned and from then on, KNT was viewed as a place harbouring enemies of the state.
2015
Modern Era
The Kenya National Theatre was renovated to include ultra-modern equipment by a joint effort between the government and East African Breweries Ltd. The renewed set-up became a 345-seater modern theatre.
2022
Kenya Theatre Awards
The Kenya Cultural Centre hosted the inaugural Kenya Theatre Awards in a joint partnership with the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust. Renowned acts like John Sibi-Okumu, David Mulwa, Ogutu Muraya, Sammy Mwangi, Nick Ndeda, Nice Githinji, Wakio Mzenge and Gilbert Lukalia among others were awarded on 17th February 2022.
2024
Kenya Theatre Awards
The Kenya Cultural Centre hosted the inaugural Kenya Theatre Awards in a joint partnership with the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust. Renowned acts like Joyce Musoke, Yafesi Musoke, Maitu Mukabete, Julisa Rowe and John Sibi-Okumu among others were awarded on 29th February 2024.
