By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 15 June 2026 - Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has renewed his call for greater investment in the performing arts, arguing that theatre plays a critical role in shaping confident, disciplined and socially conscious young people.
Nyong'o made the remarks after watching his grand-nephew, Ler Jawar, deliver a standout performance as Scar in the ongoing Lion King Musical at the C.U. Shah Jain Bhavan Auditorium in Loresho, Nairobi.
The governor said his long-standing passion for theatre stems from a conviction that the arts are far more than a source of entertainment.
"Theatre is not merely for entertainment, but a powerful instrument for nurturing imagination, confidence, discipline and social consciousness among our youth," he said.
Praising Jawar's performance, Nyong'o said the young actor demonstrated remarkable command of the stage, strong character interpretation and admirable confidence before a live audience.
"Moments such as these remind us that talent, like the proverbial mustard seed, may begin small but, when carefully nurtured, grows into something impactful and transformative," he added.
Beyond celebrating a family achievement, Nyong'o's remarks touch on a broader national conversation about the place of arts in education and youth development. At a time when many schools and communities face shrinking resources for creative programmes, advocates argue that theatre, music and visual arts remain essential tools for developing communication skills, leadership and emotional intelligence.
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The governor said families, educators and society at large have a collective responsibility to create opportunities that allow young people to discover and develop their talents.
"We must create spaces where young people can discover and develop their gifts," he said.
Nyong'o further argued that investment in the arts should be viewed as a long-term investment in the country's future, noting that vibrant cultural institutions not only nurture talent but also strengthen national identity and social cohesion.
"Investing in the arts is, ultimately, an investment in the future of our children and the cultural vitality of our nation," he said.
His comments come amid growing recognition of the creative economy as a source of employment and innovation, with policymakers increasingly acknowledging the role of culture and the arts in driving social development alongside traditional sectors such as education, technology and industry.