The winners of the Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) 2025 were announced at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi on February 20, 2025.
The awards, which featured captivating performances and glamorous outfits, saw Chatterbox production’s Lwanda Otero rule the night with 10 awards, with Too Early for Birds’ Tom Mboya scooping four.
Mugambi Nthiga was named the feted Best Director, while Igiza Arts Production took the Theatre Company of the Year Award. The newly introduced Jury’s Special Award went to 64 Theatre founder Cosmas Bii.
Speaking at the ceremony, the KTA jury chairperson Suki Wanza said that the votes cast this year were the highest they had ever received since the launch of the awards.
“It was encouraging that all the nominees went out of their way to get people to vote for them,” Wanza said. “The ones who won did so with a big margin. Some categories, however, had narrow margins of five or six votes between the winner and the first runners-up.
“With the interest that has been witnessed with the voting and promotions, we can confidently say that the Kenya Theatre Awards are being strongly embraced by the industry.”
She added that the huge number of public votes overturned the jury vote in three categories and that most of the productions staged in 2024 were original.
Below is the full list of winners of the Kenya Theatre Awards 2025:
Best Adaptation
‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
‘Mgonjwa Mwitu’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
‘In Other Words’ – Chemichemi Players
‘Sanctuary’ – Prevail Presents Limited
‘1984’ – Under Debate
Best Breakthrough Female Performer
Cynthia Nzuki – ‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi (Winner)
Elsie Mumbua – ‘The Bride’ – Kenyatta University
Precious Apidi – ‘Guns & Roses’ – Son of Man Theatre Productions
Favour – ‘know Your Scent’ – Martina Ayoro
Seben Wainaina – ‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions
Best Breakthrough Male Performer
Sam Ouma – ‘The Miser’ – Igiza Arts Production (Winner)
Cosmas Kirui – ‘Antigone’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Samuel Tirop – ‘Oret’ – 64 Theatre
Hawi Ondego – ‘Repeat After Me’ – Khalaha
Elvis Kiarie – ‘Mgonjwa Mwitu’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Best Children’s Play
‘Lion King’ – The Banda School (Winner)
‘Coppellia’ – Dance Centre Kenya
‘Alladin’ – Braeburn Players
‘Matilda’ – Aga Khan Academy Nairobi Senior School
‘The Little Mermaid’ – The Academy of Dance and Art Limited
Best Costumes Design
Mitch Bushry – ‘Albatross Wings of Freedom’ – Youth Theatre Kenya (Winner)
Amy Ni Riada – ‘Shrek the Musical’ – Kenya AmateurDramatics Society
Kevo Abbra – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox
Heidi Wright & Ansley Garner – ‘Sound of Music’ – Rosslyn Academy
Veronica Kitaka – ‘The Little Mermaid’ – The Academy of Dance and Art Limited
Best Dance Theatre
‘Coppellia’ – ‘Coppellia’ – Dance Centre Kenya (Winner)
‘Messiah is Coming’ – ‘Messiah is Coming’ – Nairobi Lighthouse Church
‘The Little Mermaid’ – ‘The Little Mermaid’ – The Academy of Dance and Art Limited
‘Ma’adha’ – ‘Ma’adha’ – Jackson Atulo
Best Director
Mugambi Nthiga – ‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds (Winner)
Stuart Nash – ‘Scrooge’- Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Jazz Moll – ‘Albatross Wings of Freedom’ – Young Theatre Kenya
Nyokabi Macharia – ‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions
Santa Mukabanah – ‘Sanctuary’ – Prevail Presents Limited
Best Kikwetu Production
‘Theca Nja’ – ‘Theca Nja’ – Andu A Mumbi Production (Winner)
‘Oret’ (Nandi version) – ‘Oret’ (Nandi version) – 64 Theatre
‘Nengera Indo’ – ‘Nengera Indo’ – Mastercut Entertainment
‘Naku Amba Eka’ – ‘Naku Amba Eka’ – Heartstrings Entertainment
Best Learning Institution (Schools)
Braeburn School – Gitanga Road (Winner)
Woodcreek School
The Banda School
Aga Khan Academy
Rosslyn Academy
Best Learning Institution (Universities)
Kenyatta University (Winner)
KCA University
University of Nairobi
Best Lighting Design
Jasper Miedema – ‘Shrekk, the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society (Winner)
Alacoque Ntome & Charles Wairimu – ‘Dedan Kimathi’ – Woodcreek School
Joanna Garner & Wilfred Onyango – ‘Alladin’ – Braeburn Players
Jazz Moll & Wilfred Onyango – ‘Albatross Wings of Freedom’ – Youth Theatre Kenya
Juliet Duckworth – ‘The Little Mermaid’ – The Academy of Dance and Art Limited
Best Music Score, Arrangement or Adaptation
Alice Kimanzi & Niqq Kerah – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
International Christian Centre Nairobi – ‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi
Mary Flavour – ‘Know Your Scent’ – Martina Ayoro
Liboi – ‘Whispers of Power’ – Liboi
‘Daiverse’ – ‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions
Best Musical Theatre Production
‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Shrekk The Musical – Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society
‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
‘Matilda’ – Aga Khan Academy Nairobi Senior School
‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi
Best Original Choreography in a Musical/Play
Seth Guya – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Jonah Kamau – ‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi
Rainbow Field – ‘Shrekk the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics
Bosco Boro (Aladeen) – ‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Copper Rust & Caroline Slot – ‘Cats’ – Dance Centre Kenya
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Lead Role in a Musical
Emma Whithill – ‘Shrek, the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society (Winner)
Amy Muthoni – ‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi
Alison Nyawira – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox
Lorna Lemi – ‘Sarafina’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Play)
Pris Laura Achieng – ‘Noisemakers’ – Round Wide K (Winner)
Edna Kariuki – ‘An Ideal Husband’ – Igiza Arts Production
Julisa Rowe – ‘In Other Words’ – Chemichemi Players
Martina Ayoro – ‘Know Your Scent’ – Martina Ayoro
Chadota Ida – ‘Repeat After Me’ – Khalaha
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Monologue
Nyokabi Macharia – ‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds (Winner)
Chadota Ida – ‘When They First Found Me’ – 6Gs Production
Hellen Keli – ‘Elements’ – Beyond The Mainstream
Muthoni Gatheca – ‘Blooms in the Dark’ – Creative Garage
Njeri Wagakuo – ‘Blooms in the Dark’ – Creative Garage
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)
Muthoni Gatheca – ‘Blooms in the Dark’ – Creative Garage (Winner)
Rotem Yaniv-Cohen – ‘1984’ – Under Debate
Joyce Mathenge – ‘Hutia Kahaco’ – Andu A Mumbi Production
Edna Kariuki – ‘Severed Justice’ – Igiza Arts Production
Wakio Mzenge – ‘Mgonjwa Mwitu’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Auudi Rowa – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Hellen Mtawali – ‘Sarafina’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Kerry Kagiri – ‘Legacy’ – International Christian Centre Nairobi
Wakio Mzenge – ‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Lead Role in a Musical
Agengo Ogone – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Samson Omondi – ‘The Sanhedrin’ – Nairobi Chapel
Peter Wood – ‘Shrek, the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics
Gadwill Odhiambo – ‘Sarafina’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Play)
Daniel Hird – ‘1984’ – Under Debate (Winner)
Sam Psenjen – ‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Bilal Wanjau – ‘Mgonjwa Mwitu’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Charles Gachanja – ‘Shadows of the Cloth’ – Chisaina Arts
Humphrey Maina – ‘Theci Noore’ – Andu A Mumbi Production
Best Male Performance by a Male Actor in a Monologue
Ngartia Bryan – ‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions (Winner)
Elsaphan Njora – ‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds
Abu Sense – ‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds
Josiah Kiprop Kiptoo – ‘Mukabira’ – 64 Theatre
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)
Eric Chege – ‘Theca Nja’ – Andu A Mumbi Production (Winner)
Cosmas Kirui – ‘Antigone’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Benson Ochungo – ‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Rexie Ndoria – ‘Mpaka’ – Khweva
Baraza Major – ‘Backstreet 2’ – Millaz Productions
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Nyakundi Isaboke – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Benson Ochungo – Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Martin Kigondu – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox
Ephraim Kimani – ‘Cats’ – Dance Centre Kenya
Best Performance by a Young Female Actor
Ariana Kagotho – ‘Dedan Kimathi’ – Woodcreek School (Winner)
Anvi Singh – ‘Matilda’ – Aga Khan Academy Nairobi Senior School
Martina Haugland – ‘Sound of Music’ – Rosslyn Academy
Leandra Wachai – ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ – Brookhouse School
Ava Stow – ‘The Lion King’ – The Banda School
Best Performance by a Young Male Actor
Danny Kathungu – ‘Sound of Music’ – Rosslyn Academy (Winner)
Namiri Chiroma – ‘Dedan Kimathi’ – Woodcreek School
Timothy Childs – ‘Sound of Music’ – Rosslyn Academy
Benjamin Telani – ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ – Brookhouse School
Best Playwright – Original Script
Martin Abuya – ‘Flight 1963’ – Igiza Arts Production (Winner)
Victor Muyekwe – ‘Mzigo wa Moto’ – Chisaina Arts
Mavin Kibicho – ‘In Sickness and in Health’ – Son of Man Productions
Michael Mwangi – ‘Repeat After Me’ – Khalaha
Saumu Kombo – ‘Backstreet 2’ – Millaz Productions
Best Producer
Gathoni Kimuyu – Too Early for Birds (Winner)
Cosmas Bii – 64 Theatre
Shiko Ngure & Ciru Njoroge – Irooto Productions
Hawi Oguna – Chatterbox
Wangui wa Ngina – Andu A Mumbi Production
Wreiner Mandu – Igiza Arts Production
Best Production
‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
‘Shrek the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics
‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds
‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions
Best Set Design
Nancy Aluoch – ‘Dedan Kimathi’ – Woodcreek School (Winner)
Joep Van Binsbergen – ‘Coppellia’ – Dance Centre Kenya
Kate Gardiner & Lee Crew – ‘Shrekk, the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics
Joanna Garner & Taryn Bebbington – Alladin – Braeburn Players
Arnold Osano – ‘Little Mermaid’ – The Academy of Dance and Art
Best Sound Design
Mike Mbugua – ‘Lwanda Otero’ – Chatterbox (Winner)
Joanna Garner – ‘Alladin’ – Braeburn Players
Abu Sense – ‘Sanctuary’ – Prevail Presents
Charles Stephen – ‘The Love Bomb Edition’ – Maina Mind Production
Herman Tosh Gitonga – ‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions
Best Spoken Word Production
‘Daiverse’ – Irooto Productions (Winner)
‘The Love Bomb Edition’ – Maina Mind Production
‘You Remind me of Someone’ – Mufasa & Gufy
‘Womine Experience’ – Revolutionary Spitter
Best Stage Managed Production
Mercy Wangui – ‘Scrooge’ – Nairobi Performing Arts Studio (Winner)
Kate Gardiner – ‘Shrek, the Musical’ – Kenya Amateur Dramatics
Mitchell Mulari – ‘Coppellia’ – Dance Centre Kenya
Harlene Singh – ‘Alice by Heart’ – Braeburn School
Chanel Mckenzie – ‘Lion King’ – The Banda School
Best Story-telling Production
‘Tom Mboya’ – Too Early for Birds (Winner)
‘When They First Found Me!’ – 6Gs Production
‘First Draft’ – Eric Wainaina
Best Two-Hander Production
‘In Other Words’ – Chemichemi Players (Winner)
‘Sanctuary’ – Prevail Presents Limited
‘Shadows of the Cloth’ – Chisaina Arts
‘Numbers’ – Joseph Obel & Esther Kamba
‘Loose Ends’ – Son of Man Productions
Theatre Company of the Year
Igiza Arts Production (Winner)
Heartstrings Entertainment
Son of Man Productions
Andu A Mumbi Production
Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
Jury’s Special Award – Cosmas Bii
World Impact Award – Nairobi Musical Theatre Initiative
Lifetime Achievement Award – Tirus Gathwe
Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous) – Anne Wanjugu
Ushirika Award – HEVA Fund
