The jury for the Kenya Theatre Awards is composed of a diverse group of individuals representing different sectors of the theatre industry. The panel includes representatives from academia, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in theatre education and research; practitioners, who bring a wealth of practical experience and expertise in the field of theatre; media, who bring a unique perspective on the role of theatre in the media and its impact on the general public; and government, who bring a valuable understanding of the role of theatre in society and the importance of government policy and support for the arts. This diverse representation on the jury ensures that all aspects of the theatre industry are considered and evaluated when determining the award recipients.
Unlike other awards schemes, the KTAs make their jury members known to the public as part of our integrity checks.
2025/2026 JURY MEMBERS
Ian Mbugua – 2025/2026 KTA Jury Chairperson
Ian Mbugua is a singer, actor, teacher, and director with decades of experience. Currently a Performing Arts tutor at Brookhouse schools, Ian was previously Managing Director of Phoenix Players Ltd, where he appeared in more than 120 plays including musicals, comedies, dramas, classics, and original Kenyan authored plays either as an actor or director. He has won best Actor Award in the Sanaa Theatre Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement given by Mbalamwezi Theatre Awards. He is a member of the Kenya Theatre Awards Jury.
Ian has appeared in various films and TV series on television. Notably Egoli, Place of Gold, Changes, Crime & Justice, Chaguo, Single Kiasi, and Second Family. Ian has directed numerous plays and musicals – most recently Baraka Opera Kenya’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. He is also an accomplished singer featuring as a soloist with St Andrew’s Choir, 7am Choir of All Saints Cathedral, and most recently in the Christmas Concert of the Nairobi Music Society.
Steenie Njoroge
Seasoned Theatre Practitioner with over 45 years experience as an actor, stage manager, director & producer not just on stage but as a voice over artist in both radio and television with a number of films and soap operas to my credit.
Sitawa Namwalie
Sitawa Namwalie is an award-winning Kenyan poet, playwright and performer known for her unique dramatized poetry performances, which combines poetry and traditional Kenyan music. Senior Arts Journalist, Former Entertainment Editor and Pulse sub-editor with the Standard Group, and Arts critic for over 15 years
Lewis Kavoi Xavier
Lewis Kavoi Xavier is a renowned theatre director, educator, and creative arts advocate passionate about storytelling that inspires and challenges audiences. As a drama and theatre scholar, Lewis focuses on mentoring the next generation of artists in performance, scriptwriting, and media production. His expertise includes directing large-scale productions and creating artistic programs that highlight Kenya’s cultural heritage.
Anjellah Owino
Anjellah Owino is a writer and an arts journalist with a passion to add visibility to the art world. She has 16 years of experience writing for The Standard, and TewasArt Gallery, among other publications. She was nominated for the Best Theatre, Art and Culture Writer Award at the Sanaa Theatre Awards in 2015. Artists’ distinctive creative approaches and self-expressions intrigue her.
2024/2025 JURY MEMBERS
Suki Wanza – 2024/2025 KTA Jury Chairperson
Suki Wanza is a distinguished actress, known for her roles in films like “Midlife Crisis” and TV series such as “KINA”. She’s also a stage performer, lecturer at KCA University, and a curriculum developer. Her contributions extend to training in theatre arts, serving as vice secretary for the Nakuru Players Society, and co-founding the Lake International Panafrican Film Festival. Additionally, Suki is involved in community theatre and development, and adjudicates at various film and theatre awards. Her creative endeavors include writing, producing, and directing plays and films, showcasing her multifaceted talent in the arts.
Steenie Njoroge
With a wealth over 45 years experience as a theatre practitioner Steenie is a product of the Schools Drama Festival where he made his mark by being crowned best actor for his sterling role as Brother Jero in Wole Soyinka:s The Trial of Brother Jero in 1978.
Ian Mbugua
Ian Mbugua is a teacher of performing arts, Brookhouse Schools, where he also manages the Burudani Theatre. He is an actor, director and singer and has a passion for youth and the arts.
Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku
Lecturer, Department of Communication, Media, Film and Theatre Studies Kenyatta University, Performing Artist and Producer
Sitawa Namwalie
Sitawa Namwalie is an award-winning Kenyan poet, playwright and performer known for her unique dramatized poetry performances, which combines poetry and traditional Kenyan music. Senior Arts Journalist, Former Entertainment Editor and Pulse sub-editor with the Standard Group, and Arts critic for over 15 years
2023/2024 JURY MEMBERS
Peter Ndoria – 2023/2024 KTA Jury Chairperson
Senior Arts Journalist, Former Entertainment Editor and Pulse sub-editor with the Standard Group, and Arts critic for over 15 years
Harriet Tergat
Policy and Programmes Advisor, Office of the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts
Margaretta wa Gacheru, Ph.D
Veteran Arts Journalist – Nation Media Group
Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku
Lecturer, Department of Communication, Media, Film and Theatre Studies Kenyatta University, Performing Artist and Producer
Suki Wanza
Suki Wanza is a distinguished actress, known for her roles in films like “Midlife Crisis” and TV series such as “KINA”. She’s also a stage performer, lecturer at KCA University, and a curriculum developer. Her contributions extend to training in theatre arts, serving as vice secretary for the Nakuru Players Society, and co-founding the Lake International Panafrican Film Festival.
2021/2022 JURY MEMBERS
Benson Ngobia – 2021/2022 KTA Jury Chairperson
Chairman – Department of Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies at KCA University.
Ken Waudo
Chairman – Theatre Arts Practitioners Society of Kenya
Margaretta wa Gacheru, Ph.D
Veteran Arts Journalist – Nation Media Group
Milka Mugo
Senior Arts Officer – Department of Culture in The Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage
Peter Ndoria
Senior Arts Journalist, Former Entertainment Editor and Pulse sub-editor with the Standard Group, and Arts critic for over 15 years
