The Kenya National Theatre hosted the fourth Kenya Theatre Awards ceremony on Thursday, as it honoured the country’s top theatrical talents.
Hosted by Martin Githinji and Kerry Kagiri, the event was a showcase of Kenya’s artistic growth, featuring captivating performances and recognising the industry’s most outstanding contributors.
The evening saw a diverse blend of productions, highlighting the expanding reach of Kenyan theatre beyond Nairobi to regions such as Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
Among the night’s biggest winners was Chatterbox, which dominated the production categories, taking home awards for Best Adaptation, Best Musical Theatre Production, and Best Production while Igiza Arts Production secured the prestigious Theatre Company of the Year award.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured Ann Wanjugu and Tirus Gathwe for their invaluable contributions to Kenyan theatre.
Other big winners of the night were Pris Laura Achieng, Daniel Lee Hird, and Emma Withill for their outstanding performances in leading roles.
See full list of winners below:-
Best Breakthrough Female Performer
Cynthia Nzuki
Best Breakthrough Male Performer
Sam Ouma
Best Performance By A Young Female Actor
Ariana Kagotho
Best Performance By A Young Male Actor
Danny Kathungu
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)
Muthoni Gathecha
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)
Eric Chege
Best Supporting Performance in Musical Theatre (Female)
Auudi Rowa
Best Supporting Performance in Musical Theatre (Male)
Nyakundi Isaboke
Best Adaptation
Chatterbox
Best Musical Theatre Production
Chatterbox
Best Production
Chatterbox
Best Kikwetu Production
Andu A Mumbi Production
Best Spoken Word Production
Irooto Productions
Best Dance Theatre
Dance Centre Kenya
Best Storytelling Production
Too Early For Birds
Best Two-hander Production
ChemiChemi Players
Best Children’s Play
The Banda School
Best Costumes Design
Mitch Bushry
Best Lighting Design
Jasper Miedema
Best Set Design
Nancy Aluoch
Best Sound Design
Mike Mbugua
Best Musical Score, Arrangement or Adaptation
Alice Kimanzi & Niqq Kerah
Best Original Choreography in a Musical/Play
Seth Guya
Best Stage Managed Production
Mercy Wangui
Best Learning Institution (Schools)
Braeburn School – Gitanga Road
Best Learning Institution (Universities)
Kenyatta University
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Play)
Pris Laura Achieng
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Play)
Daniel Lee Hird
Best Lead Performance in Musical Theatre (Female)
Emma Withill
Best Lead Performance in Musical Theatre (Male)
Agengo Ogone
Best Performance in a Monologue (Female)
Nyokabi Macharia
Best Performance in a Monologue (Male)
Ngartia Brian
Best Playwright – Original Script
Martin Abuya
Best Producer
Gathoni Kimuyu
Best Director
Mugambi Nthiga
Theatre Company of the Year
Igiza Arts Production
Jury’s Special Award
Cosmas Bii
World Impact Award
Nairobi Musical Theatre Initiative
Ushirika Award
Heva Fund
