How Nakuru creatives are keeping the show alive amidst closure of Nakuru players' theatre

It is no secret that Nakuru has established itself as a hub of creativity. This reputation is not only because of the wealth of talent in the city, but also because of the resilience that defines its creative community.

That resilience has been put to the test in recent months, particularly after the closure of the Nakuru Players Theatre.

With the main stage unavailable for more than seven months, local creatives have had to adapt, staging shows in alternative spaces and, in some cases, taking their work on tour.

Among the theatre groups that have kept the stage alive is Ajira Theatre Production Group, which recently wrapped up a nationwide tour of the play Mistaken Identity.

Their journey took them to Kisumu, Mombasa, Lamu, Nakuru, and Nairobi. After the tour, the play’s director, Martin Ngugi, explained that Ajira aims to continue producing socially conscious plays, attract institutional support, and ultimately expand their reach to international stages.

Another group, A Bunch of Idiots Production, has also remained consistent in staging plays. They took their rib-cracking heist comedy series, Bila Chao: Mathare’s De Papel, to audiences in Nairobi.

This hilarious twist on the heist genre immerses viewers in the chaotic yet thrilling world of Mathare’s own “professors” of mischief.

In addition, the group is scheduled to stage another play on August 23, 2025, and has benefited from capacity-building training through the Theatre Fiesta programme, which focused on enhancing theatre production skills.

Meanwhile, Journey Through Africa, a vibrant cultural production group based in Nakuru, is preparing to make waves beyond Kenyan borders. They are set to embark on a continental road tour that will culminate in performances in Lesotho.

Departing Nakuru on August 19th, the team will travel by road through Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Along the way, they plan to conduct workshops and performances aimed at engaging local communities and schools through participatory art, music, and storytelling sessions.

With the Nakuru Players Theatre still closed, young creatives in the city have embraced alternative venues to keep their work alive.

Spaces such as Baraza Media Lab, Nakuru Old Town Hall, and Lohana Hall have become key stages for theatre performances, while poets and musicians have turned to venues like Agora and the Mini Market in Milimani to share their art with audiences.