MOMBASA County—Jan 30, 2026—The government has reassured creative industry stakeholders in Mombasa that activities at the Little Theatre Club will continue, following recent concerns over the establishment of a Railway Training Institute at the site.
The assurances came after tensions emerged when artists and cultural practitioners feared that the new institute could displace creative activities and limit access to the historic venue.
Transport Secretary Mohamed Daghar confirmed that all parties have reached a consensus after a nine-member joint committee—formed last Friday—conducted negotiations over seven days.
The committee included representatives from Kenya Railways Corporation, the office of the local Member of Parliament, and key players in the city’s creative economy.
Daghar said, “All concerns raised during the discussions have been addressed.
Creative activities will continue in an improved environment, alongside the operations of the Railway Training Institute, which has now officially commenced at the site.”
The agreement aims to safeguard Mombasa’s artistic and cultural spaces while fostering collaboration between the creative sector and government institutions.
Stakeholders expressed relief that their access to the Little Theatre will not be compromised, and that the venue will continue to host performances, workshops, and other creative initiatives.
This resolution highlights the growing need for government policies that balance urban development, institutional expansion, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Kenya’s coastal cities
