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By Diana Wanyonyi
Mombasa, Kenya: The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) and creative sector representatives have reached an agreement that allows artists to continue operating at Mombasa’s Little Theatre Club (LTC), while also permitting the launch of a new Railway Training Institute (TVET) at the same premises.
The deal was signed and announced on Friday at the LTC by Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar. The signing followed mediation talks involving officials from KRC, the office of Mvita Member of Parliament, and representatives of the Creative Economy.
The agreement resolves weeks of uncertainty after artists raised concerns about potential eviction when plans for the railway institute were revealed. Last Friday, a nine-member mediation team was formed to find a solution.
“The main aim was really to come together for dialogue, to look for a way of continuing harbouring the Creative Economy practice that has been going on here for a long time, and also accommodating the establishment of the Railway Training Institute here in Mombasa County,” PS Daghar stated.
He praised the speed of the negotiations, noting, “Within a record time of seven days, these two teams have come together and have agreed to iron out all the issues or concerns that were there.”
Kenya Railways has committed to upgrading the facility to accommodate both activities. KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga witnessed the signing alongside the PS.
“I’m happy to announce that that agreement has been signed by both parties,” Daghar said. “The Creative Economy practice will continue as was, but in an improved condition. We are also happy to announce that the Railway Training Institute will commence here… We will work internally to improve this space to ensure that it’s accommodative of both practices.”
Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele applauded the resolution, emphasizing that the new institute will create opportunities for youth. He pledged support through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for both education and creative talents.
The proposed TVET institute aims to serve trainees from Kenya and across East Africa, working to reduce reliance on foreign expertise in rail operations.
