#KeCultureLives in Kenya National Theatre 

In the wake of World War II, the world witnessed a profound transformation. As the echoes of battle subsided, a renewed sense of optimism emerged. For British soldiers, the end of the war held a promise of new beginnings, and many found themselves drawn to Kenya, eager to claim land rewards for their wartime service. This influx of British settlers brought with them a wave of hope and a hunger for entertainment. 

While Kenya had already seen the establishment of members’ clubs and cinema halls during the early colonial period, theatre was notably absent from the scene. The need for a platform where people could express themselves through drama, music, and art became increasingly apparent. 

In 1949, the seeds of an ambitious idea were sown—a steering committee composed of British and Indian settlers rallied together, petitioning the colonial government to establish a venue that would cater to these artistic aspirations. They yearned for a space where they could weave tales, sing songs, and paint emotions, thereby enriching the tapestry of Kenyan culture. In response to this request, the colonial government embarked on a project to construct a national theatre in 1950. 

The location for this prestigious endeavour was carefully chosen—a plot of land on Harry Thuku Road, strategically positioned opposite the Norfolk Hotel and near the Central Police Station. While this choice of location was meant to exclude Africans from the area, it also bore the weight of historical realities. Early signs of the Mau Mau rebellion had begun to stir, making the presence of a nearby police station both reassuring to theatregoers and a deterrent to those who might be tempted to venture too close. 

In 1951, the dream crystallized into reality as the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) stood proudly on its appointed grounds. This architectural masterpiece, born out of artistic ambition and civic pride, was incorporated under an Act of Parliament. It featured a grand 450-seat hall, an orchestra pit, a curtained stage, and a balcony complete with a bar and restaurant where patrons could gather to savour refreshments during intervals and after performances. 

Initially, KNT played to predominantly white audiences, showcasing a wide array of Western plays and musicals. However, change was on the horizon. In 1959, the National Schools Drama Festival was introduced, modelled after a British festival for higher education. This festival became a cornerstone of Kenyan school culture. For many years, the national finals of this festival have found their home at the Kenya National Theatre.  

In 1982, the stage at KNT bore witness to the performance of “I Will Marry When I Want,” a play by Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii, directed by Conrad Makeni. This groundbreaking production dared to challenge the status quo and brought Ngugi wa Thiong’o into conflict with the authorities, resulting in a ban. From that point onward, KNT was viewed with suspicion by the government, yet it continued to serve as a beacon of creativity. 

Despite facing managerial challenges over the years and a period of neglect that saw the facility’s decline, KNT found its salvation through a public-private partnership with East African Breweries Ltd. in 2014. This partnership led to a comprehensive refurbishment of KNT as part of the Legacy Projects commemorating Kenya’s 50 years of independence.   

The Kenya National Theatre, once a symbol of colonial-era exclusivity, has transformed into a beacon of culture, a place where Kenyan traditions and creativity flourish. Its history reflects the resilience and determination of the Kenyan people to make their voices heard and their culture celebrated.  

#KeCultureLives