This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
The Kenyan government has unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art 5000-seater theatre in Nairobi, a move expected to boost the country's cultural and tourism sectors.
The new theatre will be constructed next to the Kenya National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road, providing a world-class facility for creatives in theatre and drama.
Deputy President William Ruto made the announcement at the sixth edition of the Sanaa Theatre Awards, where he noted that the new theatre will add a new cultural element to the tourism sector, similar to Broadway in the US and the West End in the UK.
“The establishment of the sports and social development fund by the government is a clear indication that we are serious about investing in sports and the arts,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Sports and Heritage CS Amina Mohammed.
Ms Amina, who represented the Deputy President at the event, praised the efforts and creativity of Kenyan artists, saying, “We shall continue supporting arts and I congratulate all nominees and winners tonight.”
