The late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o has been named the face of this year’s Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST), which will run from November 4 to 16.
The announcement was made on August 13 at the Kenya National Theatre by the KITFEST Trust and the Kenya Cultural Centre (KCC). The honour is traditionally given to artistes who have made an indelible mark in shaping Kenyan theatre.
Now in its 10th edition, KITFEST will feature more than 50 stage performances, street theatre shows, workshops, cultural nights, and the popular ‘nganya’ night across ten venues in Nairobi. The festival will also mark Ngugi’s enduring influence on Kenyan arts.
“Ngugi stood firm in promoting indigenous languages in the arts and connected with his community through the Kamirithu Theatre, which once hosted over 3,000 people per show,” said Kevin Kimani Kahuro, KITFEST founder and Manager for Programs and Business Development at KCC.
“Kenyan theatre artistes need to look up to him. His works have outlived him, and his focus on community remains a model for growth.”
In line with his legacy, the festival will spotlight grassroots theatre companies while also training emerging artists from 15 counties who are not yet professionally practicing.
“We didn’t want the festival to go international and forget who we are. It must grow beyond Nairobi and include other counties,” Kahuro added.
At the launch, veteran actor John Sibi-Okumu, who was the 2024 face of the festival, and KCC CEO Michael Pundo were among those present.
Kahuro also emphasised that while the festival seeks to honour local theatre, it will continue to bring in global practitioners to enrich the Kenyan scene.
“It’s a display of Kenyan theatre to the world,” he said.
“We’re creating an experience where corporate and theatre worlds meet, sparking collaborations that could stretch beyond Kenya. Festivals like this boost the economy, raise the city’s vibe, and ensure the industry thrives.”
KITFEST has in recent years received overwhelming interest from artists, at times more than it can accommodate, underscoring its growing profile.
Kahuro envisions it becoming Africa’s premier theatre showcase, comparable to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival.
“We want this festival to last for decades to come. In November, Nairobi should be all about theatre,” he said.