Chess Kenya

🇰🇪 HISTORIC PERFORMANCE FOR KENYA AT THE AFRICA JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Kenya has just registered its best-ever performance at the prestigious Africa Junior Chess Championship!

🥈 WFM Elizabeth Cassidy made history with Silver in the Girls' Section — Kenya's first-ever silver medal in that category. Entering as the 2nd-highest rated player, she finished strong with 7/9 points, gained 30 Elo points, and secured her 2nd WIM norm, moving closer to the WIM title.

🥉 FM Jadon Simiyu (2212) fought hard in a tough Open Section field to win Bronze, Kenya's first Open medal in 36 years, since Juma Arogo's win in Botswana in 1990! He finished with 5.5/9 points and bagged his 1st IM norm, a huge career milestone.

Both Jadon and Cassidy now head into the Rapid & Blitz events. We wish them the very best as they continue flying the Kenyan flag high! 🇰🇪♟️

🇰🇪 Congratulations, Jadon and Cassidy, the journey continues! 🇰🇪

FM Jadon Simiyu and WFM Cassidy Maina have been officially flagged off by Deputy Treasurer Rodah as they set out to proudly represent Kenya at the Africa Juniors Chess Championships in Bujumbura, Burundi.

We wish them the very best as they take on Africa’s finest young chess talent. May their preparation, courage and determination shine through every game as they fly the Kenyan flag high!

“When you see a good move, look for a better one.”
— Emanuel Lasker
All the best, Jadon and Cassidy—play boldly, believe in yourselves and make Kenya proud!

Kenya Chess Teams Deliver Double Gold at FEASSA Games in Tanzania

Kenya has struck gold in both the boys’ and girls’ chess competitions at the ongoing Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.

The Kenyan teams defied the odds, overcoming stronger-rated opponents and more internationally experienced sides to dominate the chess competition.

In the boys’ Open section, the Kenya–Uganda rivalry provided the tournament’s biggest storyline.

St. Henry’s College Kitovu, the pre-tournament rating favourites made a strong start by defeating Kenya 1 by 3½–½ in the opening round. The Ugandan side went on to win most of its matches, with the exception of draws against fellow Ugandan representatives Wampewo Ntake.

However, Kenya 1 responded impressively. Despite entering the tournament with a team average rating of 1654, compared with 1815 for St. Henry’s and 1690 for Wampewo Ntake, the Kenyan side produced crucial results against both Ugandan teams.

Kenya 1 defeated Wampewo Ntake 2½–1½ and then held St. Henry’s to a dramatic draw in the decisive final encounter, securing the gold medal.

After 10 rounds, Kenya 1 finished top with 25 match points and 30½ board points. St. Henry’s College Kitovu took silver with 24 match points and 28 board points, while Wampewo Ntake finished third with 20 match points and 27½ board points. Kenya 2 placed fourth with 12 match points and 17½ board points.

The final round produced further drama, with Kenya 1 closing its campaign with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mongola from Tanzania .

Several players stood out during the competition.Wampewo Ntake’s Jonathan Ndawula, rated 1578, produced an outstanding performance, scoring 8 points from 10 games. St. Henry’s top board Osborn Tulinaye, rated 1929, was equally impressive, scoring 8 points from 9 games.

Kenya was equally dominant in the girls’ competition, winning gold and bronze and leaving their opponents to battle for silver.The Kenyan team, which entered as the rating favourite, lived up to expectations by winning all its matches and collecting three of the available board prizes.

The final match between Wampewo Ntake and Kenya 2 determined the bronze medal position. Kenya 2 secured a hard-fought victory over Wampewo, earning the bronze medal and completing Kenya’s double podium finish.

WFM Elizabeth Cassidy a sweep of 3/4 golds in board medals finished with maximum 10/10, followed by Fantalis Nduta 9.5/10 and Shukri Shakira 9/10. The other gold went to Juliet Arinaitwe of Uganda.

The Kenya team morel was high with presence of President of ACC, Mr. Benard Wanjala and President of Chess Kenya Mr. Andrew Owili.

The FEASSA Games bring together secondary-school athletes from across East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Chess was introduced as a competitive discipline at the Games last year in Kakamega, Kenya. The inaugural edition also attracted the attention of international school chess leadership, with International School Chess Federation President Timur Tulov gracing the event in Kenya.

Kenya’s double gold in Morogoro marks another significant milestone for school chess in the region and underlines the growing competitiveness of chess at the East African secondary-school level.

Regards
Chess Kenya

A moment to remember and celebrate the life of Hawi. 🕊️🤍

Family, friends, and loved ones came together to honour his life, share memories, and celebrate the moments that made him special to so many.

Though he may no longer be with us, the memories he left behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rest peacefully, Hawi. Your memory lives on. 🕊️🤍

Nyeri Governor Congratulates Moi Nyeri Complex Chess Champions, Pledges Support Ahead of World Championship

The Nyeri County Government has recognised and celebrated the outstanding performance of the Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School chess team following their historic silver-medal finish at the Africa Schools Team Chess Championship in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Nyeri Governor has congratulated the five-member team comprising Patricia Wairimu, Trevor Kipngetich, Irwin Ndege, Davidson Mugo and Nathaniel Waithaka for their remarkable achievement and qualification to represent Africa at the World Schools Team Chess Championship Grand Finale later this year.

The team finished second overall with 13 points, just one point behind champions Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School of Uganda, earning a silver medal after an impressive continental campaign.

Their performance underlined their consistency at the highest level. Across the eight rounds of the African Continental Championship, the Moi Nyeri Complex team recorded five wins, three draws and only one loss, an achievement that secured their place at the global championship.

During a courtesy visit by the team, the Governor praised the young champions for raising the profile of Nyeri, Kenya and African chess on the international stage.

“I wish to extend my congratulations to the team for their victory, and I encourage them to keep aiming higher and represent our county, country and Africa as a whole,” the Governor said.

The Governor also acknowledged the important role played by the players’ parents, coaches, school leadership and supporters in facilitating the team’s success.

The champions were accompanied during the visit by Moi Nyeri Complex Deputy Principal James Wahome, National Chess Trainer Matthew Kanegeni, Fr. Bernard Watoru, Tr. Ann Mbuthia and their parents.

Importantly, the meeting also provided an opportunity for the team to highlight some of the challenges they face, particularly limited resources as they prepare for the next stage of their international journey.

In response, the Governor assured the team of county support through the Department of Gender, Youth, and Social Services, signalling a commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and helping the champions prepare adequately for the World Schools Team Chess Championship Grand Finale, scheduled for December 2026.

The Governor’s recognition is a significant boost for the players, whose continental success has already placed Moi Nyeri Complex and Kenya among the schools making an impact in international scholastic chess.

Also present during the meeting were Margaret Macharia, CECM for Education; Esther Ndung’u, CECM for Gender, Youth, and Social Services; Joe Gethi, Chief Officer; Peter Theuri, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports; and Nahashon Mung’ora, Chief Officer, Governor’s Office.

Chess Kenya appreciates the Nyeri Governor and the county administration for taking the time to meet, congratulate and listen to the needs of the young champions. Such recognition from county leadership is an important encouragement to the players, their families, schools and coaches as they embark on the next chapter of their remarkable chess journey.

With Africa behind them, the Moi Nyeri Complex team now turns its focus to the world stage — carrying the hopes of Nyeri, Kenya and the continent with them.

Regards
Chess Kenya

A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON THE PASSING OF HAWI KALOKI

Dear Chess Family,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of our champion, Hawi Kaloki, who passed away this morning.

Hawi was a multiple-time national champion and one of Kenya’s most highly rated chess players. In 2024, he attained the position of Kenya’s No. 1 player, having established himself among the country’s elite players with a rating exceeding 2100.

He was due to represent Kenya at the upcoming World Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place from 15 September 2026. His most recent international appearance was as a member of the Kenyan National Team at the Africa Individual Chess Championship in Botswana.

Throughout his career, Hawi represented Kenya with distinction on numerous international stages. His accomplishments included participation in the World Junior Chess Championship in Brazil, the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania in 2025 and Brazil in 2024, as well as several editions of the Africa Youth Chess Championships, where he competed as a reigning National Champion.

At club level, Hawi was a valued member of the KCB Chess Team in the Kenya National Chess Premier League and a cherished member of Mavens Chess Club. His contribution to the teams he represented, and to Kenyan chess as a whole, will be remembered with great appreciation.

Beyond his remarkable achievements on the chessboard, Hawi was a beloved family member, friend, teammate, and an inspiration to many. His passion for chess, exceptional talent, humility, and dedication to the game touched the lives of many within and beyond the chess community.

His passing is an immense loss to his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan chess fraternity. We mourn not only a gifted chess player, but also a young life filled with promise and potential.

At this difficult time, the family has kindly requested privacy as they come to terms with this devastating loss. We ask the entire chess community to respect their wishes and keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of Chess Kenya, I convey our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Hawi’s family, relatives, friends, teammates, clubs, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Hawi’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the contribution he made to Kenyan chess.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Andrew Owili
President, Chess Kenya

Commonwealth Schools Chess Championships – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾

Registration Now Open:
https://chesskenya.co.ke/Event/48

Cost details and breakdown: https://bit.ly/4gaRn1U