The standoff over the Little Theatre Club land in Mombasa is far from resolved, despite claims by the government that an agreement has already been reached between Mombasa creatives and Kenya Railways.
Speaking on the matter, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, said a nine-member taskforce formed last week to address the dispute had successfully concluded its work and signed an agreement to pave the way forward.
“The taskforce was formed to iron out the land issue and ensure all parties are in agreement. I witnessed the signing of the agreement, and I am pleased that the creatives will continue to enjoy a conducive environment alongside the Kenya Railways Institute,” Daghar said.
Mvita Member of Parliament Mohamed Machele welcomed the development, describing it as a win-win situation for both the creative community and Kenya Railways. He noted that the space would be modernised while also accommodating the Kenya Railways Institute, an initiative he said would benefit young people from Mombasa and the wider Coast region.
“The taskforce was meant to take 30 days, but within just seven days they agreed and signed an agreement. This is good for the creatives and Kenya Railways. Our youth stand to benefit greatly from the institution, and I plan to sponsor some youth from the county, including creatives, to join the institute in March,” Machele said.
However, the Creatives Taskforce Chairperson, Daudi Anguka, has refuted claims that any agreement was signed. He clarified that what was signed were only the minutes of the meeting, not a binding agreement.
“We did not sign any agreement. What we signed were the minutes of the meeting, which is standard practice after any official sitting. We are still waiting for Kenya Railways to present a Memorandum of Understanding between them and the creatives,” Anguka said.
While acknowledging the importance of establishing the Kenya Railways Institute, Anguka cautioned against any approach that could undermine the Little Theatre Club, describing it as a critical creative hub that has nurtured and supported many young people over the years.
The conflicting statements have left the future of the Little Theatre Club uncertain, with stakeholders now calling for clarity, transparency, and a formal MOU before any development or changes are implemented.
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