One of the biggest events in Nairobi will be the 2017 Mukuru Schools Junior Chess Championship which takes place this weekend and we present a short report done by Erick Oyugi.
The inaugural tournament for Mukuru schools took place in July 2016 and a total of 82 players participated. There were several challenges faced but we have been working so hard to see the second edition, scheduled for July 15th 2017 BIGGER and BETTER.
This time the number of players has increased to 200 players all from schools within Mukuru slum! The playing venue remains Carson Academy Kingdom of Excellence (CAKE), which recently changed its name from Redroof School. This school has served as a strong partner especially for our Saturday Chess program for a long time.
The playing area has been improved to cater for the big numbers that we expect. We have also managed to hire enough tables, chairs and tents to facilitate the event.
The world famous Robert Katende who will also be present at the event, and will be providing at least 100 tournament sized chess boards and clocks to use in the event.
The tournament officials will include:
Tournament Director Erick Oyugi, Chief Arbiter John Mukabi and at least 6 section arbiters who are coaches from our various partnering schools.
Six rounds will be played and a number of prizes will be awarded to different winners. All the participants will receive certificates as well. We feel very excited about it and we hope to make it even bigger next time by inviting schools outside Mukuru. The KES 200 entry fee for this event has been waived by the organisers.
End of report.
This website covered the story of the 2016 edition and can be found here; 2016 Mukuru Schools Championship.
