I’m Brian Irungu, an artist and award-winning scenographer with a deep passion for visual storytelling and set design. With a background in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Technical University of Kenya, I founded Pallets Furniture Kenya, where I work with wood to create functional, artistic pieces. In 2021, I was honored to receive the Best Set Design award at the Kenya Theatre Awards, a recognition that has fueled my commitment to pushing creative boundaries in theatre and beyond.
One of my proudest achievements is Tao Mbao Mbao, a project that reimagines a wooden matatu as a mobile piece of art installation. This installation brings together my love for visual art, design, and community storytelling, exploring the themes of mobility, culture, and identity. Through Tao Mbao Mbao, I aim to create spaces for dialogue and reflection while celebrating our 
diverse cultural heritage.
I’ve had the privilege of being mentored at Maabara Atelier, where I developed this concept and continue to collaborate to grow its impact. The project has garnered attention for its innovative approach, and we’re now preparing to showcase it at the Kenya International Theatre Festival for the second year in a row and it has earned an invitation Kampala International Theatre Festival. I’m excited about what the future holds for Tao Mbao Mbao and my journey as an artist.
Tao Mbao Mbao Team
Our project is brought to life by a dynamic and creative team of seven passionate individuals, each bringing unique talents to the table. Together, we are a team of passionate, creative individuals working towards a shared goal: to bring art, culture, and community together through Tao Mbao Mbao.
1. Brian Irungu – Team Leader & Visionary
Brian is a multidisciplinary artist, known for his work in theatre, visual arts, and set design. With a background in journalism and mass communication, he brings storytelling, craftsmanship, and artistic vision to Tao Mbao Mbao. Brian has a keen eye for design and has worked on several notable theatre productions in Kenya. He leads the team with a clear vision to connect cultures through creativity.
2. Ogutu Muraya – Storyteller, Performance Artist & Writer
Ogutu is a multidisciplinary artist deeply curious about the connection between the spiritual and the neurological, exploring how we think, perceive meaning, and experience change. His work is rooted in the practice of Orature and seeks new, innovative forms of storytelling that merge socio-political issues with the belief that art is a crucial catalyst for questioning seemingly inescapable truths.
3. Martin Kaona – Creative Events Curator, Photographer & Art Manager
Martin, from Maabra Atelier(https://www.instagram.com/kaonamkay/), is a versatile creative known for curating immersive artistic experiences. With a keen eye for photography and expertise in managing art projects, Martin plays a crucial role in shaping and executing creative events. His work bridges visual storytelling and event management, making him a key contributor to the artistic and organizational success of Tao Mbao Mbao.
4. DJ Annxiouz – Music & Sound Design
Annxiouz is a talented DJ and sound artist (https://www.instagram.com/deejayannxiouz/), known for her ability to create vibrant atmospheres through music. She will bring the Tao Mbao Mbao installation to life with her soundscapes, ensuring that each stop on the roadshow is filled with energy and rhythm.
5. Cess Ochieng – Tour Manager
Cess keeps the entire project on track. She’s responsible for coordinating logistics, making sure everything from travel arrangements to community workshops runs smoothly. Her organizational skills are key to the success of this multi-city roadshow.
6. Phil Collins Otuke– Documentation & Media
Phil is our documentation expert, responsible for capturing every moment of the Tao Mbao Mbao journey. Through video, photography, and live updates, Phil ensures that the project reaches a wider audience, showcasing the process and the impact of the installation. His work will document the journey and experiences of the installation, ensuring that every significant moment is preserved and shared with audiences.
7. Mutia Gitau – Filmmaker, Artist, Tinkerer, Sound & Light Technician
Mutia is a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for blending 3D art, design, and filmmaking. He is known for his unique and unconventional approach to exploring creative possibilities. His work is an eclectic fusion of storytelling, visual experimentation, and artistic innovation, making him an integral part of the technical and creative aspects of Tao Mbao Mbao.
Mutia will also be handling the technical aspects of sound and lighting for the installation and performances. His expertise ensures that each showcase is a seamless, immersive experience for audiences, with the perfect blend of light and sound.
Through our journey to the Kampala International Theatre Festival, we envision Tao Mbao Mbao as a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the communities we engage with along the way.
The funds we raise for the Tao Mbao Mbao project will be strategically allocated to ensure we achieve our vision as follows;
Travel and logistics: A significant portion of the funds will cover transport costs for our team and the mobile installation as we travel from Nairobi to the Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) and then to Kampala. This includes bus fares, fuel, accommodation, meals and transportation for the installation itself.
Production costs for setting up the installation at each roadshow stop and at the festival. This includes materials, tools, and supplies needed to create an immersive experience for participants.
Workshops and community engagement: Funds will support interactive workshops, performances, and community sessions at each stop in Nakuru, Kisumu, and Kampala. This includes paying facilitators, providing materials, and ensuring that local artists and community members can participate fully in these enriching experiences.
Documentation: To capture the journey and impact of Tao Mbao Mbao to preserve memories and help us share our experiences with a broader audience, showcasing the transformative power of the project.
Marketing and promotion of the project across social media and local channels. This will help attract participants to our events and raise awareness about the cultural significance of the installation.
Future sustainability by documenting our journey and collecting feedback from participants, we aim to develop a framework for future projects that can be replicated or adapted in other communities. Funds will support this research and development process, ensuring that Tao Mbao Mbao can inspire ongoing cultural initiatives.
About KITFest
Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) is an immersive and enlightening theatrical experience, where diverse performances and educational opportunities come together to inspire and connect artists and audiences from around the world, as well as enjoy the magical Kenya through tourism and cultural experiences.
Now on its 9th edition, this year’s festival will feature performances, workshops, pitches, and professional networking sessions for theatre practitioners from and with audiences from across the world.
About KITF
The Kampala International Theatre Festival (KITF) is the major international theatre event in Uganda and the first-ever theatre festival in East Africa. It takes place each year in the third week of November for 5 days in the city of Kampala, Uganda's Capital. The festival is organized by Tebere Arts Foundation and has been supported by various partners over the decade; The European Union, Sundance Institute, Stichting DOEN, USA for Africa, Jibu Water, the British Council, Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, and so many others.
Till now KITF has had 10 successful editions (including 2 virtual editions during the pandemic) presenting more than 130 performances from 25 countries from all around the world. The festival includes tens of theatrical full productions, dramatic play readings, an Audio Play Installation, Masterclasses (e.g. Directing for Audio, acting for Stage, and many more), Workshops, panel discussions and more recently, a comedy show that closes the festival.
The festival works in good partnership with leading national media and also with foreign cultural centres and embassies. Every year it attracts over 1000 spectators.
About Maabara Atelier
Maabara in Kiswahili means ‘chumba cha majaribio’ – a try-it-out space, a laboratory. Maabara Atelier is a performance practice-oriented collaborative laboratory for artistic research and work processes founded by theatre maker Ogutu Muraya in 2021 in Nairobi to support independent theatre artists throughout their individual concept-to-creation processes, providing working space, mentorship and workshop sessions with guest artists. Maabara is currently based in Malindi, Kenya and conducts field research in diverse cultural and digital spaces to understand the nuances of artistic expression via outreach and community-based art.