Winners of theatre awards deserve more

Some winners of the 2025 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/entertainment/article/2001512354/kenya-theatre-awards-2025-full-list-of-winners">Kenya Theatre Awards< were left in disbelief when they discovered that part of their awards package included noodles.

This unexpected gesture sparked discussions on social media, with many questioning how a prestigious event celebrating excellence in Kenyan theatre could offer such a surprising gift. 

The Kenya Theatre Awards, held annually, honors innovation and outstanding contributions to the performing arts, highlighting the vibrancy of Kenya’s cultural scene.

This year’s ceremony, held on February 20, 2025, at the Kenya National Theatre, was well-attended by prominent figures in theatre and film. Yet, despite the glamour and anticipation, the post-event conversation was overshadowed by the curious choice of awards. 

One of the winners took to Instagram to share their reaction: “Nguvu iliniisha instantly… like the noodles! Kuna mtu aliniuliza, ‘Angalau kulikuwa na T-shirt?’”. They added, “I cooked for the babies and told them, ‘Na mjue mnakula award-winning noodles.’”

Another winner described the entire event as feeling like a comedy special, hinting at their disappointment with the organization of the awards. This unexpected twist raised serious questions about whether the ceremony suffered from planning issues or budget constraints. 

According to media reports, awards received notable support from the government. Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, attended the event and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the arts. 

Despite this support, the stark contrast between the significance of the awards and the choice of gifts has sparked widespread criticism.

Winners invest considerable time, money, and effort in their craft from perfecting their performances to showing up in stunning outfits and making logistical sacrifices, only to leave with instant noodles as part of their recognition package. 

In previous years, the awards have celebrated standout productions like -Too Early for Birds, Lwanda Otero, Daiverse by Irooto Productions, and Theca Nja, stories that reflect the depth and creativity of Kenyan theatre. This year, 36 awards were presented across various categories a testament to the industry’s growing excellence. 

But the question remains: How did it come to this? Was it a budget setback or a misguided attempt at humor? Whatever the reason, the noodles have left a bitter aftertaste in what should have been a celebration of artistry and achievement. 

As conversations continue online, one thing is clear the winners of the Kenya Theatre Awards deserve more.