The cost of maintenance has meant higher booking fees for fledgling repertoires, eventually reserving itself for a corporate clientele.
[citation needed] The Kenya National Theatre has also been a subject of scholarly criticism and a basis for formulating a cultural policy.
Once complete, the 450-seat theatre had a dilapidated orchestra pit in the basement, an auditorium with a curtained stage, and a balcony.
In May 2003 the South African musical Sarafina!,was produced at the Kenya National Theatre by Sterling Quality Entertainment Company.
The producers of the show, Peter J. Oyier and Paul J. Oyier also hosted Mbongeni Ngema and Leleti Khumalo for the premiere of the show, which had an all-Kenyan cast and was praised by Ngema and Khumalo for its accurate and powerful portrayal of the world-acclaimed musical theatre piece.