KITFest 2026 to bring 26 foreign theatre companies from 21 countries, including China, to Nairobi

The Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) will bring 26 international theatre companies from 21 countries to Nairobi from 3 to 15 November 2026, The Standard reported on 2 October. China is on the list of participating countries.

The 11th edition takes place at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT), where more than 200 Kenyan artists will present more than 50 productions, according to the newspaper. Festival founder Kevin Kimani Kahuro said it would be "13 days, more than 60 performances and 184 international artists from 21 nations".

The festival's organiser is the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust. Its 2026 theme is "Reimagining Theatre", according to the festival website.

Who is coming

The Standard names Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Egypt, Spain, Uganda, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the 21 countries. Neither The Standard nor TV47 Digital, which reported the same announcement, names the Chinese company or its production.

The programme covers musicals, dance, puppetry, drama and comedy, plus workshops, masterclasses and cultural exchange, The Standard said. There will be 11 themed nights and a Kids Fiesta. TV47 lists the themed nights as Nganya, Dance, Karaoke and Michezo.

The programme was presented at the Trademark Hotel, Village Market, at a breakfast for corporate sponsors, diplomatic missions and development partners, TV47 reported.

African Theatre Market

A new African Theatre Market, called KITFest ATM, runs from 6 to 8 November. It will bring international festival directors and theatre presenters to Nairobi to watch Kenyan productions, with the aim of creating openings to stage them abroad, according to TV47.

The Standard describes it as a three-day marketplace connecting international presenters with Kenyan and African productions. The festival will also offer 13 masterclasses to more than 500 creatives.

Outside the theatre

"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," Kahuro, the Trust's founder and chairperson, said, according to The Standard. He said the festival would also introduce an audio installation for visually impaired audiences, adding: "A festival should be open to everyone, from the gate to the stage."

TV47 describes an immersive audio installation, Sauti za Boma, featuring stories from marginalised communities. The Standard says the festival will also expand its public arts programme, Ground Zero – Vibe of the City, at the Kenya National Archives. Both outlets report that festival activities start with a charity football tournament on 31 October. TV47 quoted Kahuro as saying: "For thirteen days, Nairobi becomes a meeting point for theatre makers from across Africa and the world."

Last year's edition

The Trust said the 2025 edition, themed "KITFest @10", featured 52 productions from 18 countries and drew a live audience of more than 10,000, The Standard reported.

Practical details

The festival runs 3-15 November 2026 at the Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi. The Trust's office is at Maendeleo House, 8th Floor, Loita Street, Nairobi. Enquiries: [email protected] or +254 794 785 768 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), according to the festival website. For ticket prices and the day-by-day schedule, contact the Trust.