Six friends’ hobby of acting in the streets now a full-time job

Singing and performing skits was a way to pass time for a group of six friends in Narok town.

However, they soon started doing regular performances in neighbourhood schools and colleges and before long, Linda Arts was born.

“We saw a chance to earn a living and attain financial independence,” the group’s coordinator and chairperson, Ms Stella Naisenya, said.

The team concentrates on themes with pro-development messages that address family values and promote a saving culture.

“We take topical issues that affect local residents such as leadership, devolution, gender parity, retrogressive cultural practices, and development,” Ms Naisenya said.

The group performs during public holidays, special occasions, meetings, weddings, and public forums.

GROUP'S OBJECTIVE

“Our objective is to disseminate information through acting while at the same time offering solutions,” the group’s script writer and director, Mr Max Gichane, adds.

The other members of the group are Elizabeth Macharia (organising secretary), James Ngugi (finance), Daniel Memusi (public relations), and Joseph Kikanae, who is the in-charge of discipline.

On a good day, Linda Arts makes between Sh50,000 and Sh100,000, with the Narok County government being its biggest contractor.

“We thank the Narok County government for assisting us to realise our talents. We perform at functions where we are given a topic to educate the residents,” Ms Macharia said.

BORN IN MAJENGO

All the group members were born and raised in Majengo, a slum in Narok town.

They attended Masikonte Primary School before the two girls joined Maasai Girls High School.

The boys went to Narok Boys High School.

After attending different tertiary colleges and failing to get employment, they regrouped and decided to entertain themselves with acting.

“We have done a number of educational performances in Narok which have received a positive response from the community,” he said.

Some of their most memorable moments were after the post-election violence in 2007/8, when they were contracted by the Sisi ni Amani organisation to preach peace and foster cohesion using theatre.

They also acted during the Kenya@50 celebration at Maasai Mara University, where Narok County Governor Samuel ole Tunai promised to support youths in the arts industry.

The group members manage to make a living from their acting.

“In a good month, I am able to earn up to Sh100,000, which is enough to meet all the needs of the members and at the same time save for the group’s business,” Mr Ngugi says.

Their style of acting has caught the eye of many youths in the region, with a number of them coming to the group for training.