From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 2m
Nairobi's International Theatre Festival Opens 4 November
Nairobi's 11th International Theatre Festival launches November 4 with 54 performances across 4 venues.
In brief
Nairobi's 11th International Theatre Festival launches November 4 with 54 performances across 4 venues. Kenya's International Theatre Festival opens November 4 with 54 performances from 41 productions across 16 countries. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Festival Opens
The Kenya International Theatre Festival opens its 11th edition in Nairobi on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
12-Day Run
Ticketed shows run from Wednesday, 4 November, to Sunday, 15 November 2026 at the Kenya National Theatre.
4 Venues
Shows use four spaces: the Main Auditorium, Ukumbi Mdogo, Cheche and an outdoor stage.
International Lineup
The programme lists 54 performances of 41 productions from Kenya and 16 other countries.
US Production
The only US production is Changing the World One Poem at a Time playing Friday, 13 November at 7:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. US Eastern).
Sungu Dudi Tribute
The 2026 edition is dedicated to the late Sungu Dudi, known as Terano, named as its official festival face.
Theatre Market
The KITFest African Theatre Market runs from Friday, 6 November, to Sunday, 8 November for festival directors scouting touring work.
Ticket Prices
Single shows cost KES 500 to KES 1,800 (about US$4 to US$14). Passes run KES 2,000 to KES 13,000 (about US$15 to US$100).
US Visitor Tips
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before departure.
Travel Advice
Kenya keeps East Africa Time all year, three hours ahead of GMT. Once US clocks fall back on Sunday, 1 November, Nairobi is eight hours ahead of New York.
Rainy Season
Early November usually falls in Nairobi's short rainy season, so pack a light rain jacket for the outdoor stage.
What's Not Confirmed
Whether any public event takes place on Tuesday, 3 November, is not confirmed. The Night Experience line-up has not been published.
First Show
The first ticketed show, The Masks from South Africa, starts at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 November.
Last Show
The festival closes on Sunday, 15 November, with No Laughing Matter at 7:00 p.m.
At a glance
Kenya's International Theatre Festival opens November 4 with 54 performances from 41 productions across 16 countries.
