The Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) 2026 nominees were unveiled at the Kenya National Theatre, marking the fifth edition of the annual ceremony that celebrates excellence in Kenyan theatre.

This year, the awards feature 29 nomination categories, down from 36 in 2025, a move organisers say is aimed at sharpening competitiveness and recognising standout work across the industry.

The nominees were announced by KTA jury chair Ian Mbugua and Director of the Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) Benson Ngobia.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for the evening of February 26, with attendees expected to embrace the theme and dress code, African Theatre Futurism.

Key Nominees by Category

Best playwright – Original acript

Mohamed Komeja – Picha, Prevail Presents

Yafesi Musoke – Bad Girls of the Bible, ChemiChemi Players

Martin Kigondu – Of Cords and Discord, Prevail Presents

Saumu Kombo & Mercy Mutisya – Free Me, Taji and Co. Production Limited

Best director

Nice Githinji – Miss Understood, Astar Productions

Julisa Rowe – Bad Girls of the Bible, ChemiChemi Players

Mike Ndeda – Midnight Poetry, Maina Mind Productions

Mugambi Nthiga – Free Me, Taji and Co. Production Limited

Best breakthrough female performer

Naomi Wairimu – Against the Tide, Son of Man Productions

Suzanne Karani – Picha, Prevail Presents

Afrikan Nduta – Kifo Kisimani, Hive of the Arts

Renee Gichuki – Free Me, Taji and Co. Production Limited

Best breakthrough male performer

Andrew Nganga – Uga Ng’we!, Kwa Ndego Productions

Daljit Ochieng – Against the Tide, Son of Man Productions

Simon Petero – Paradise of Thorns, Artflame Theatre Network

Olilo Martine – Come Before Winter, Artspace Productions

Best production

Miss Understood – Astar Productions

Midnight Poetry – Maina Mind Productions

Free Me – Taji and Co. Production Limited

Bad Girls of the Bible – ChemiChemi Players

Theatre company of the year

Jukwaa Arts Production

Crony Production

Prevail Presents

Braeburn Players