About Kupaa

What we're all about

Mission
To inspire and nurture emerging university talents to the market

Vision
To position KUPAA as a leader in promoting innovation and excellence in performing arts and research within universities, and to maintain its global relevance and recognition.

Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association

Participation

You can participate in KUPAA through several ways. For performing groups, participation for KUPAA 2023 festival is currently open at regional levels. Other participation opportunities are in trainees, volunteers, audiences, vendors, trainings and partners

Programs & Features

The focus of our activities is on the development of Kenyan performing arts in general such as drama, film, beauty pageantry and visual arts theatre. Through international performances, congresses, training and workshops, we push to enhance performing arts through experimentation and publication of new genres for economic development. KUPAA is student centered, we let the students exploit their talents to the maximum level

Partnerships

With our local and global partners, we have the capacity necessary to stage a National and East Africa festival of the highest standard and deliver the magnificent experiences. You can be part of the amazing organizations that have supported KUPAA over the years.

Our Awesome Team

Join Kupaa and experience a journey of awesome career growth in creative and performing arts

Have an item to perform? Check out our events calendar for upcoming events

Dear participants of the KUPAA NATIONAL DRAMA FILM And festival, It is my utmost pleasure to write this letter of welcome and support for your Festival and all the projects and activities that our member from Kenya KUPAA, together with Mr. Patrick Ogutu, who is an elected officer of IDEA and a dear colleague.

Sanja Krsmanović Tasić

IDEA President

I am pleased to say that my experience of associating with KUPAA has been excellent and I feel it is a privilege too. My appreciation for the excellent work KUPAA is carrying out in uplifting under-developed talents among the youths, by providing opportunities to them. KUPAA, is investing in a better future for Kenya and I'm honored to be a part of the organization.

Centrine Adhiambo

Vice Chairperson KUPAA

KUPAA is a platform that I’ll live to reckon, joining it’s function on it’s 4th Edition but every was extremely perfect. Honestly from the architecture of its leadership. It’s becoming the biggest platform in Kenya on supporting Youth talent, from music, drama to films. It’s been a privilege to be Mr. Popularity Universities Kenya- KUPAA. It has given me a lot of recognition and from the slogan KUPAA INAPAA.

Brian Kipruto

Kisii University

“I have been taking part in KUPAA festivals for a while now, and not once have I been stopped loving it. KUPAA not only taught me how to act, but how to perform from a professional perspective. I love KUPAA because not only do they have an amazing theatre program and lovely teachers, but everyone cares for each other and hopes each student succeeds in their acting careers. I am so glad to be a part of the KUPAA family and I couldn't have asked anything better.”

Hamadi Lawrence

Former Student council chairman and Egerton Alumini

“KUPAA is one of my favorite places in the entire world. It is like a second home to me. At the festival I have made some of the greatest friends in the world, while also being a part of the amazing shows put on stage. At KUPAA I have learned how to further develop my talents as a performer. KUPAA is the only festival of its kind where you can learn how to sing, dance, and act in a way that prepares you for the real work of performing. KUPAA is a safe place where everyone is treated as equals and are joined together by their love of performing”

D. Owira “OTONGLO’

Former president drama kid-former student of MMU

Word from our performers

As the former student council chairperson, I am proud to see KUPAA grow into a major festival showcasing Kenyan students’ talent. I have participated in each of the four prior festivals as a performer and director and have seen firsthand the impact that KUPAA has had on students’ lives. KUPAA has not only given students a platform to showcase their talents, but it has also helped them to develop their skills and network with other professionals in the performing arts industry. Some institutions and performers have even gone above and beyond to participate in the Kitfest at the Kenya National Theatre, a testament to their dedication to the festival. Some performers have featured in the Churchill show and raised the KUPAA bar to top-notch. I am confident that the fifth annual KUPAA national festival will succeed greatly.
We are proud to have numerous universities and colleges participating, and we hope many more will join us in our mission to improve the quality of performance arts and theater festivals in Kenya. As we always say, “KUPAA INAPAA PAA!” is a motto that we live by at KUPAA, and we are committed to providing students with the opportunity to excel in the performing arts. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of KUPAA, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the festival and our linkage to the corporate world. See you there! #Wajibika