The sixth day of the ongoing Kenya National Drama and Film Festival sustained the passion, creativity, and unflinching commentary on pressing social issues.
From biting satire to heartwarming cultural performances, schools delivered spirited showcases that entertained while provoking thought.
Riara School from Nairobi set a powerful tone with their play Bottle Traps , a poignant reflection on the devastating grip of alcoholism. Produced by Jane Mulinge, the production lays bare how alcohol addiction continues to tear families apart and rob individuals of their potential.
From Makueni County, Mwaani Girls brought laughter and wisdom in equal measure with their oral narrative Mutulu . The tale follows a student believed to be a slow learner - so much so that when asked a question at lunchtime, she answers the next day at supper. Her witty response to a question on converting kilometres to metres - “just remove the kilos and remain with metres” - had the audience in stitches.
ECD pupils from Gilgil Hills Schools rehearse their singing game, titled ‘Pleasure time’ during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Lions Academy in Nakuru County on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
However, the story takes a thoughtful turn, revealing that Mutulu is not slow but simply in need of specialised learning support. The piece was produced by Dr Elizabeth Mutinda and choreographed by Sidney Chazima.
On Friday, Maranda High School set the pace with their riveting narrative MakMende , exposing the sorry state of the country’s healthcare system.
Kitui TTC presents a cultural dance during the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
Narrated by Hussein Mohammed and Bill Thoya, and produced by Dr Edwin Namachanja, the story follows Desmond Ng’uono, a student diagnosed with a strange chest condition. A misdiagnosis at a local Level 5 hospital leads to a costly journey to India, only to discover the actual problem was not in his chest - but in the hospital’s X-ray machine, infested with cockroaches.
The production, written by Brian Ong’iyo and directed by Joshua Okoth and Janet Awuor, painted a darkly humorous but sobering portrait of medical negligence.
Janet Mwera from Wangirabose Secondary School in Migori County performs a solo dance titled ‘Janet Mzungu' during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru County on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Shadrack Kimalel Secondary School from Nairobi County showcased Musiti, a vibrant Luhya cultural dance. Written and choreographed by Saumu Sabina and produced by Chief Principal Beatrice Shirao, the performance followed a female hawker struggling with city council officers. Her fortunes turn when she embraces e-marketing, allowing her to sell her wares without harassment while contributing to a cleaner city.
MM Shah Primary School during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
From the Coast region, Vitengeni Baptist School impressed with their Kiswahili play Samawati , a tale of rivalry and innovation. Sama, the protagonist, passionately pursues a science project to preserve marine life, while Wati, the son of a minister, attempts to sabotage the project for personal gain. Ultimately, integrity triumphs.
Tetu Technical and Vocational College presents a choral on fake certificates used by workers in the Middle East at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival on April 11, 2025.
Tetu Technical and Vocational College struck an emotional chord with their choral verse Mateso ya Ugenini , scripted by James Murunga and produced by Catherine Gikonyo. It explored the plight of Kenyan workers in the Middle East, many of whom falsify certificates only to struggle under harsh conditions when reality sets in.
Mount Kenya University contributed The Tempest , a drama on the politics of national resource distribution, directed by Brammuel Asige Silingi.
Laikipia University students perform their cultural creative dance, titled 'Unyakhana' during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Menengai High School in Nakuru County on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Kabarak University’s Missing the Mark delved into the subjective awarding of marks in universities, questioning academic fairness and integrity.
Kabarak University perform their play Missing Marks at Menengai High School on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, a new genre debuted at Lohana Hall - live broadcast theatre. It quickly became the talk of Nakuru. The audience, buzzing with curiosity, witnessed a stellar performance by Kitengela International Schools.
Brian Mwendwa and Shavonne Evitta of Kitengela International Presents Live Broadcast on Stage at Lohana , Nakuru County at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
The production mimicked a live television interview, featuring Brian Mwendwa as a composed host discussing urban farming under the Competency-Based Curriculum with guest speaker Shavonne Evitta.
The discussion was enriched by projected visuals of rabbits and chickens, adding a professional, documentary-style touch. Directed by Nashon Omukhobero and produced by Elizabeth Gati, the piece impressed with its originality and seamless execution.
