It's time to sing our own songs as the spanking KNT is launched

If the re-opening of the Kenya National Theatre is not adjourned – yet again – then the fete is likely to materialise this evening.

I hear it’s reopening has been a subject of heated online debate – trending is the word in vogue – but since I’m not tech savvy, my inference is rather speculative.

I think those excoriating the presidency for not having a firm date for this event should pause and think why the Jubilee is hailed as a “digital” government.

When things happen digitally, it means they are not cast in stone, and so can be recast anew. A new date is the easiest thing on an electronic calendar, and the alteration leaves no scribbles that irritate the eye. And the new date is communicated as fast on multiple digital platforms.

I hear those trendy young people went online to demand that Prezzo UK reopens the KNT because they have been scurrying for public spaces to rehearse.

But they should demand more, for if the Government is serious about the arts, it must inaugurate programmes that support the production of quality plays, songs and dances. Or what would be the point of having a funky space to stage mediocre performances?

It would be nice to see the sort of performances that benchmark this hallowed space, but if there is nothing to show tonight, that’s still fine. At least the re-opening will be enough show for the artistes who have waited for this day, for many moons.

Finally, it would be good to know what the country’s cultural policy for the future is, given that the Constitution demands a certain quota of broadcasts on TV and radio be locally produced.

Hopefully, the very best of such endeavours will end up at the KNT, if not tonight, then on some other night in the not-too-distant future.