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Kwacha Afrika troupe was formed in January 27th 2001.

The youths of the Kisauni region of Mombasa, Kenya had been left out of the process when addressing youth oriented issues such as drug abuse, HIV infection and income generating activities. When the IMPACT project, funded by USAID through Family Health international started its activities in the coast region, Kisauni was selected as one the priority areas. One of the components of the project was to involve youths in Theatre for Development (TFD), aimed at bringing behavior change in the community, especially among the youth. Youths were mobilized to carry out theatre activities as individuals under the leadership of Maryrose Ikumi, who was the Coordinator.

In 2001, the Coordinator came up with the idea of forming a group so that the youth could see themselves as one and not as individuals. The main objective was to use the concept of Theatre for Development in addressing different social issues which affect the youth, therefore assisting in bringing behavioral change. Start-up of income generating was on the agenda when the organization was being formed. This idea was widely embraced by the youth who face widespread unemployment.

The youths chose the name “KWACHA”, which means it is the dawn of a new beginning, the sun had risen for these youths and they were ready to begin a new life. Kwacha Afrika Troupe was therefore formed and Maryrose Ikumi became their Patron.

KAT started as a group of youths and has now become one of the youth Community Based Organizations (CBO) in the Coast province of Kenya which is very involved in addressing youth issues, especially the spread of HIV infection among the youth.

All the members of KAT are unemployed.