Kenyan Theatre Shows to See in 2026, So Far

2025 was a great year for theatre. As reported in our feature The Best Kenyan Theatre of 2025, Kenyan theatre continued to reap success, well ahead of film and television, not just in its bold, charged storytelling spanning politics, AI, religion, intimate personal struggles and urgent social issues, but also in how it engaged audiences. Sinema Focus theatre critic Tonny Ogwa wrote, “From one stage to the next, performances reverberated with nuance and intention, proving once again why theatre is such a powerful artistic force.”

The stage is set for 2026, and Kenyan theatre shows no signs of slowing down, with so much more to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. We’ll continue updating this list as new shows are confirmed.

Too Early for Birds’ Wangarĩ Maathai

Theatre troupe Too Early for Birds returns for its ninth edition with yet another play, this time exploring the life, moments and conquests of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize laureate and activist Wangarĩ Maathai.

“As one of the continent’s most honoured women and figures, Prof. Wangarĩ Maathai stood tall in everything she did. In her roles as a mother, professor, member of parliament, assistant minister, activist, writer, farmer and, ultimately, Nobel Peace Prize winner on December 10, 2004, Wangarĩ Maathai epitomised the best of what Kenya and the continent could offer,” a statement from Too Early for Birds reads.

2026 marks 15 years since Maathai’s death, and with this play, the group hopes to “lionise her story on stage.”

Founded in 2017 by performers Brian Ngartia and Abu Sense, Too Early for Birds is known for its immersive retelling of Kenya’s history in plays such as Tom Mboya, Badassery and Brazen.

While the cast has not yet been revealed, Wangarĩ Maathai will be staged at Jain Bhavan Auditorium in Loresho from April 10–12.

It Takes Two

From Chemi Chemi Players – known for liturgical dramas such as Bad Girls of the Bible – comes the Valentine’s special It Takes Two explores the love story of John and Mary, from their giddy days as newlyweds to a more seasoned couple with over 20 years together. The play is a collection of short scripted stories blending humour, drama, narration and music.

It features real-life couple Justin Mirichii (Shimoni) and Sakina Mirichii, with Benjamin Webi serving as MC and narrator while also lending his soulful voice to the show’s music.

The original cast of It Takes Two starred Bill and Julisa Rowe more than 30 years ago. Now, Dr. Rowe passes the baton as she takes on the role of director and executive producer.

The play will stage on 13–15 February at Mayfield Ministry Centre.

A Play Goes Wrong

A Play Goes Wrong is a comedy that blends romantic drama with backstage chaos, exploring love, ambition and human error through a play within a play.

Directed by Ian Juma and produced by Fentrico Kandawala, A Play Goes Wrong is led by Rafael Karekei and Rocha Margaret.

The play will stage on 15 February at Hindocha Hall in Kisumu.

Rings and Red Flags

Another Valentine’s special, Rings and Red Flags is a romantic comedy that explores love, financial pressures, commitment and the red flags couples ignore. Set around three couples sharing one apartment, the play examines how the rising cost of living in Nairobi has strained relationships, masculinity, mental health and emotional stability among young adults trying to survive.

Written and directed by Martin Abuya, Rings and Red Flags is produced by Igiza Arts Production, and will stage at the Kenya National Theatre on 13 and 14 February.

Redemption

Redemption explores social issues such as hypocrisy, misuse of religious and political power, parental responsibility and the position of the youth in a world torn with strife.

Directed by Steenie Njoroge, Redemption features Muthoni Gathecha, Ian Mbugua (Second Family), John Kararahe, Caroline Odongo, Arabron Nyyneque (Faithless), Lucarelli Onyango (Sayari), Nyakundi Isaboke (Cards on the Table), Fischer Maina, Ann Kiveli, Cosmas Kirui.

The play will stage at the Kenyan National Theatre from 6-15 March.

Followers

Five women – Marianne Nungu, Foi Wambui, Eunice Mwabe, Mercy Mutisya and Nyokabi Macharia – take the stage in Followers, a play by Fifth Wall Productions.

Followers is written by Mercy Mutisya, known for her work in theatre such as Free Me and Tom Mboya, and in television such as Untying Kantai and Tuki, with Agnes Kola directing and Joy Oww producing.

It will stage at Braeside Theatre from 27-29 March.

Gikuyu na Mumbi

Gikuyu na Mumbi is a Kikuyu cultural play that brings to life the rich heritage, storytelling and traditions of the Kikuyu people. Blending drama, music and cultural expression, the play celebrates identity, history and community.

Staging at the Kenyan National Theatre on 2-5 April, the play is produced by Kwandego Production, known for Kikuyu-language plays such as Wangu wa Makeri.

Fragments

Fragments, written by Brian Aseli and Mike Ndeda who also directs, will be staged at the Kenya National Theatre on 12 April.

Also check out our list of films and TV shows releasing in 2026 so far here. For more on what to watch in Kenya, explore our Cinema and Streaming Guide.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All reporting, interviews, and reviews on Sinema Focus are protected under international copyright law and the Kenya Copyright Act, 2001. No part of this publication may be reproduced, rewritten, republished, or redistributed in any form by media outlets without prior written consent. For reprint or syndication inquiries, contact editorial@sinemafocus.com.

©️ 2026 Sinema Focus / African Film Press. All rights reserved.