If you’re looking for a plan this weekend, you have an opportunity to experience international and Kenyan theatre productions as the 2026 Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST) continues at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi until November 15.
The festival, which opened on November 4, brings together productions from Kenya and other parts of the world, with performances spanning drama, musicals, dance, poetry and experimental theatre.
Now in its 11th edition, the festival is themed “Reimagining Theatre: A New Decade of Creative Frontiers,” exploring new possibilities in storytelling, artistic expression and the role of theatre in society.
Speaking about the 2026 edition, KITFest Trust Founder and ChairpersonKevin Kahuro said the aim was to reach audiences with less access.
“This year we are taking theatre to people who have never stepped into a theatre. We are inviting children from Kibera, Kawangware, Korogocho and children’s homes, and working with Kenya’s blind and deaf,” he said.
Adding, “A festival should be open to everyone, from the gate to the stage.”
The remaining programme features productions from countries including Uganda, South Africa, Argentina, India, Egypt, Ghana, Israel, Spain, China, Canada and the United States.
What can audiences expect?
There is a variety of performances lined up for the remaining days, including Make Room, Avatara: The Ten Manifestations, Amathambo and Romeo and Juliet: A Love in Pasta, scheduled for November 6.
On November 7, audiences can watch The Lion King Jr. Musical, Adventures of Sulwe, Guerrier and Voices in My Head, among other productions.
Other highlights include Story Za Thuita, Penalty, AI Mum and Echoes of Machismo on November 8, while November 9 features Death and the Future and Sakuntala: A Love Lore.
The programme continues through the following week with productions such as Circus Girl, Justice for Her, Acrimony Unquenched, Pyjamas for Five, Her Madness and Cafe Jallal Project.
The final weekend, November 13 to 15, will feature Y – What Refuses to Fade, The Making of a Thief, Golden Bell Resounds: Harmony Along the Silk Road, Echoes from the Lake and No Laughing Matter.
Beyond the stage productions, the festival also features poetry sessions, audio installations, music performances and workshops.
How much are the tickets?
Individual show tickets start at Ksh 500, although prices vary depending on the production. Some activities, including Mushikishiki Vibes on November 11 and Poetry After Lunch on November 12, are free to attend.
For audiences planning to watch several productions, KITFEST has introduced different ticket packages.
A day pass costs Ksh 2,000 and provides access to paid performances scheduled for the selected day. A curated five-show pass costs KSh 4,800, allowing audiences to select five paid productions across the festival.
There is also a week pass at Ksh 7,000, while an all-access season pass costs KSh 13,000 and covers paid performances throughout the festival.
An Indian Shows Package, priced at Ksh 2,000, provides access to Sakuntala: A Love Lore and Avatara: The Ten Manifestations.
All performances are hosted at the Kenya National Theatre, with productions staged across the Main Auditorium, Ukumbi Mdogo, the Outdoor Stage and Cheche Gallery.
Audiences can view the full performance schedule, find show descriptions and purchase tickets through the festival’s official website.
