Mombasa: The Little Theatre Club in Mombasa marked World Theatre Day with vibrant performances, a community walk, and renewed calls for investment in the arts as a strategic tool for youth employment, cultural preservation, moral education, and economic development along Kenya’s Coast region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, held in partnership with the County Government of Mombasa, brought together artists, county officials, and political leaders who emphasised theatre’s critical role in community development and sustainable livelihoods.
Collins Mangicho, Acting Chairperson of the Little Theatre Club, highlighted the group’s extensive outreach and the significance of the day. “We have staged performances everywhere in the Coast region. We have been to Kwale, Kilifi, and various spaces in Mombasa. Today, the main aim is to celebrate theatre. People should know the mandate and purpose of theatre in the community, what role it plays to ensure theatre becomes sustainable,” he said.
He added that artists under the club have developed their natural skills and urged continued support: “Artists are the mirror of society. We are going to support and nurture those talents.”
County Chief Officer Goshi Juma Ali, for sports, youth, and culture, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to support artists. “The County Government of Mombasa encourages young people to fully participate in these matters, which are very much related to employment, disseminating messages to citizens, and also giving our youth good morals as they face challenges,” Ali stated.
“There are many disasters and many destructive dangers right now; without using various methods to keep our youth on the right path, we might lose our young people and the coming generation,” he added.
Fatma Bakari Barayan, Chairperson of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), pledged ongoing government support for artists. “As a government, we are going to continue supporting them through talent loans and financial literacy programmes, because at the end of the day, they need to commercialise their skills and improve their livelihoods,” Barayan said.
Barayan encouraged talented youth to embrace their gifts without shame and join platforms like Little Theatre. “They should not feel ashamed, they should work hard, and they should join Little Theatre so that they can develop their talents properly. Because this talent means something,” she emphasised.
She further promised support through training funds and business grants via the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAF) to help artists build sustainable enterprises and protect Kenyan culture.