Nairobi is set to become a global theatre hub next month as artists from 21 countries converge in the capital for the 11th Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest).

The festival will run from November 3 to 15 at the Kenya National Theatre, featuring 26 international theatre companies, more than 200 Kenyan artists and over 50 productions, organisers announced on Friday, October 2.

The programme was unveiled during the KITFest 2026 Partners and Stakeholders Breakfast at Trademark Hotel, Village Market, where the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust (KITFest Trust) presented its programme to corporate sponsors, diplomatic missions and development partners.

Countries taking part include Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Egypt, Spain, Uganda, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.

A major highlight of this year’s festival will be the launch of the African Theatre Market (KITFest ATM), scheduled for November 6 to 8.

The new platform will bring international festival directors, theatre presenters and industry players to Nairobi to watch Kenyan productions, with the aim of securing opportunities for the plays to be staged abroad.

The initiative is expected to transform KITFest from a traditional performance showcase into a marketplace for Kenya’s creative industry, opening new opportunities for artists and theatre companies.

“For thirteen days, Nairobi becomes a meeting point for theatre makers from across Africa and the world,” said KITFest Trust founder and chairperson Kevin Kimani Kahuro.

Theatre as a jobs engine

The organisers are also positioning the festival as a platform for employment and economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

According to the Trust, Kenya’s creative sector contributes more than five per cent of GDP and provides livelihoods for millions of people, with young people aged 18 to 35 forming a significant part of the sector.

The festival will also extend beyond the Kenya National Theatre through its county and community programmes.

Last year’s County Theatre Fiesta trained 439 young creatives across 14 counties, while 100 per cent of ticket revenue was remitted directly to participating artists.

Another initiative, Ground Zero – Vibe of the City, attracted 1,252 young people during auditions in Nairobi. The programme generated an estimated 130,000 walk-by audience members and 8.9 million online views.

This year, Ground Zero will take over the Kenya National Archives for a public arts takeover.

Other attractions at KITFest 2026 will include Kids Fiesta, 11 themed nights featuring Nganya, Dance, Karaoke and Michezo Nights, as well as daily workshops and masterclasses.

The festival will also feature Sauti za Boma, an immersive audio installation showcasing stories from marginalised communities.

The curtain will rise before the main festival programme with a charity football tournament on October 31, which will raise support for slum-based charities and arts institutions.

With the introduction of the African Theatre Market, organisers hope KITFest will not only bring the world to Nairobi but also create a pathway for Kenyan theatre to travel to audiences and stages across the globe.