This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
On December 28, 2019, Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art theatre in Nairobi, with a seating capacity of 5000.
The new theatre, set to be built next to the Kenya National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road, is expected to provide opportunities for creatives in theatre and drama.
Deputy President Ruto made the announcement during a speech read on his behalf by the Sports and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed at the Sanaa Theatre Awards.
He noted that the new theatre will add a new cultural element to the tourism sector, similar to the famous Broadway in the US and West End in the UK.
Speaking at the event, Moroccan ambassador to Kenya Dr Mokhtar Ghambou also attended the sixth edition of the Sanaa Theatre Awards.
Prof Washington Omondi, one of the four surviving composers of the National Anthem, was awarded for his contributions to the arts.
Prof Omondi, who received a standing ovation, noted that many Kenyans struggle to sing the National Anthem.
