Telling Our Stories: Crafting African Narratives at Sanara’s NBO MTI Workshop
Sheba Hirst, founder and producing director at NBO-MTI hosted 60 young minds from Mombasa, Kakamega, Nakuru, Turkana and Nairobi to learn about script writing for a play for 6 days.
From September 29th to October 4th, creativity came alive at Eugenia Park in Juja during the Sanara x NBO MTI Script-Writing Workshop, a week dedicated to nurturing the next generation of playwrights.
The goal was simple yet powerful: to equip young, aspiring writers with the tools to bring their stories to life on stage. The setting, a cozy auditorium surrounded by nature, created the perfect space for imagination to thrive. Participants arrived eager, branded notebooks in hand, ready to learn, share, and grow.
Led by Wanjiku Mwawuganga, an exceptional director, performing artist and writer, and Eric Wainaina, a passionate storyteller (through music), mentor, and art director at NBO-MTI , the workshop blended theory with hands-on practice. I remember on this hot afternoon when I arrived Wanjiku asked when was the first time we interacted with theatre. Imploring us to think beyond the mainstream and focus on everyday life. Caking cutting sessions in weddings (aunty wa Keki), karata street games, cha baba and cha baba child games, any form of expressive storytelling. All these, theatre play. This sparked a relatability our human brains process so well—stories. From then on every session unfolded with excitement, as participants learned how to structure plays, develop authentic characters, and make dialogue come alive.
A group session class
But the real magic happened in the group work sessions. Writers teamed up to brainstorm, write, read, review each other’s ideas, and refine their scripts. There was laughter, deep discussion, and those “aha!” moments every writer lives for. The spirit of collaboration filled the auditorium and its surroundings, everyone learned not only from the facilitators but also from each other.
Sakina from Nairobi shared,
“Eric and Wanjiku spiced up my bland writing. After ten years of attending workshops, this one finally brought it home.”
Abdia Natir from Turkana expressed her gratitude for the facilitators’ patience and inclusivity:
“Even though I don’t write or understand English much, Eric and Wanjiku made sure I was following along. They were always available to explain and check if I understood — I appreciate that a lot.”
As the week came to a close, participants took the stage to perform the plays they had written themselves. Each group cast their own narrators and actors, directed the scenes, and brought their words to life. The final showcase was a moving celebration of creativity, teamwork, and courage, a moment of pride for everyone who had poured their hearts into their stories.
Directing Workshop cohort #2 alumni
The workshop ended with applause, certificates, and wide smiles. But more than that, it ended with a renewed sense of purpose. The participants left not just as writers, but as storytellers ready to shape the future of Kenyan theatre. One play at a time.
As my reflection comes to an end, I’m reminded of how vital it is for workshops like this to remain accessible to young creatives across the country. With Kenya’s creative industry contributing 5.3% to the national GDP with growing potential driven by the 75% of the young population in the country, initiatives under the Sanara Programme like Script-Writing Workshop are not just nurturing talent, they’re shaping the next generation of storytellers ready to share their truths with the world making real impact on the ground. This is what it means to build an authentic African narrative, told by Africans, for the world.
And the journey doesn’t stop here! Before the year ends, Sanara in collaboration with NBO-MTI will host other exciting workshops: the Directing & Producing Workshop, continuing its mission to empower emerging voices in Kenya’s creative landscape.
Look out for the 2026 calendar!
